'How do you not see two cows?' -Judge's questionto motorist after serious crash in the Midlands

A motorist who caused the death of two cows after he crashed into them while they were being herded along a minor road, raised considerable surprise from Judge Bernadette Owens at Longford District Court when he claimed he hadn’t seen the animals in question.

The court heard how on September 25, 2024, Stephen O’Shaughnessy of Killashee Road, Clonturk, Longford, was driving on a road in Caldraghmore, Kenagh, when the incident occurred.

Delivering a summary of events to the court, Sergeant Mark Mahon said, “He (the driver) didn’t see the two cows. One of the cows was killed on impact and the other was euthanised.”

“How do you not see two cows?” Judge Owens asked, addressing the defendant.

“I don’t know. The cows just came out,” Mr Shaughnessy replied.

When asked if the defendant had any previous convictions, Sgt Mahon replied he had five, but added that all five were connected to one incident that had occurred back in 2012.

Addressing the court, solicitor John Anderson appealed for leniency adding that his client - who had submitted a plea of guilty - needed his licence to travel to and from work each day.

Taking all points into consideration, Judge Owens convicted and fined Mr Shaughnessy €500 and gave him five months to pay.