Member of defence forces fell asleep while driving near Tullamore

A member of the defence forces had fallen asleep while driving near Tullamore.

On May 3, 2022, Ciarian O'Griofa, (32) Tir An Fhia, Lettermore Galway, was driving a jeep at Derrybeg, Tullamore, when he fell asleep at the wheel and collided with a van coming in the opposite direction. The van tried to take avoidance action but there was damage to the vehicle. No one was injured.

The defendant who was dressed in his army uniform, appeared in the district court on a summons for careless driving. He had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Donal Farrelly said Mr O'Griofa was a driver for the army and he was required to drive in the early hours of the morning when on army duty. He was suffering from tiredness at the time of the offence.

Mr Farrelly said his licence was vital to him in his work as a driver. He said because the incident happened while he was on duty he is also under investigation by the military and it could affect his career. He said any fine over €2,000 at Tullamore district court could result in Mr O'Griofa losing his job with the army. Mr Farrelly said his commanding officer was in court with him and vouched for his good character. Mr O' Griofa has applied to go on duty to Syria as a driver.

Judge Andrew Cody commented that Mr O'Griofa might be a member of the defence forces but he still had to deal with him as a civilian. He said the military court was his own business.

He said given the fact he was on duty he would fine him €300 and gave him three months to pay.