'Moment of madness' - Woman caught driving BMW at 'huge speed' on M7

A woman who was caught driving at 181kph on the M7 was given the option of donating €5,000 to charity or losing her licence. 

Caoimhe Dunne Brennan (21) of 10 Schoolhouse Gate, Ballinkillen, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow admitted driving at 181kph on the M7 at Cappakeel, Co Laois on May 18 last. 

She was charged with dangerous driving which carries an automatic disqualification from driving. 

Garda Roy Cooper said the defendant was driving a 161 registered BMW 420 at 11.30am on the date in question. She had been travelling back from Dublin when she was stopped.  There was no alcohol in her system and she had no previous convictions, he said. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was originally from Carlow but now living in Tipperary. He said she was employed by Rehabcare and is very highly thought of. 

“She is potentially going to lose everything due to a moment of madness,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

He asked the court to consider reducing the charge of dangerous driving to one of careless driving which doesn’t carry an automatic disqualification. He said the woman had brought a sum of €3,000 to court. 

“There won’t be a reoccurrence of this behaviour,” he assured the court. 

“She doesn’t want this one mistake, which is quite significant, to jeopardise her future,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

Garda Cooper was asked about the defendant. “It is very unlikely you will see her before the court again,” he said. 

“She is one of the few that you won’t see back before you again,” he added. 

Judge Andrew Cody said while “it is a huge speed”, subject to a receipt for a €5,000 donation to the North Tipperary Hospice, he would reduce it to careless driving. He adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on July 24 for finalisation.