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04 Mar 2026
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04 Mar 2026
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LEFT: Patrick Carroll pleaded guilty to three counts at Limerick Circuit Court (Picture: Brendan Gleeson) / RIGHT: Cillian Kirwan from Piltown in County Kilkenny
A student has pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Court to dangerous driving causing the deaths of two of his friends, and to driving under the influence of alcohol.
Patrick Carroll (21) of Drinagh, Fivealley, Birr, County Offaly was driving the vehicle when the collision occurred on the N69 at Ballyengland, Askeaton on February 20, 2024.
He was 19-years-old at the time and his two friends, Darragh Dullea from Clonakilty and Cillian Kirwan from Piltown in County Kilkenny, both lost their lives.
The court heard that Cillian Kirwan’s mother, Sinéad Molloy and his sister Áine were both present for the arraignment.
Mr Carroll pleaded guilty to all three counts: dangerous driving causing the death of Darragh Dullea, dangerous driving causing the death of Cillian Kirwan and driving under the influence of alcohol.
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Darragh Dullea from Clonakilty in Cork was 20 at the time of the collision, while Cillian Kirwan from Piltown, Kilkenny was 19.
Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley BL, instructed by solicitor Brendan Gill, told the court that an early plea was indicated and prosecution were notified in advance, in respect of the double driving fatality.
“The two deceased were his friends and passengers in the car he was driving,” she told the court.
The late Darragh Dullea and Cillian Kirwan
The barrister added that they were all friends and all students in Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry.
“They had been studying together and they knew each other,” Ms Buckley said.
The court heard that at the sentencing hearing, victim impact statements from the Dullea and Kirwan families will be heard.
Barrister for Mr Kirwan, Brian McInerney SC, said that they will be asking for a probation report, as this would be “an appropriate case for one.”
He also asked that the accused be remanded on bail on the same terms as before.
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Judge Simon McAleese extended his condolences to the families of the two deceased.
“It’s a terrible nightmare to have to endure and to continue to endure,” he said.
A date for sentencing will be set in April.
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