Horsing around: Motorist fined for 'spectating' at sulky race on busy Limerick road

A LIMERICK man who was caught spectating at a sulky race on the N20 Croom Bypass was given a suspended sentence when he appeared before Kilmallock District Court. 

Prosecuting Inspector Gearóid Thompson said in his evidence that when gardaí were called to the scene on October 23 they found eleven cars and two sulkies across all lanes of traffic on the road, “travelling in convoy”. 

The court heard that Timmy McDonagh - who has an address at Riverview, Kilmallock - was driving behind the sulkies in his car. 

Defending Barrister-in-Law Nicholas Hall said his client's position "is he was somewhat in a spectator role”.

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Insp Thompson said that Mr McDonagh complied with instruction when he was asked to stop by gardaí. He added that not all of the drivers involved in the incident were identified. 

In his plea of mitigation, Mr Hall said that Mr McDonagh is 26 years old, is married with three children and that his wife is also 22 weeks pregnant. The barrister also stated that the man is a carer for his father and needs his driving licence. 

The barrister said that Mr McDonagh’s previous offences “are quite old”, however gardaí confirmed that Mr McDonagh's most-recent conviction dates back to 2022. 

The court heard that the accused has nine previous convictions - the majority which are for road traffic infractions with two for breaches of Covid-19 restrictions. 

Judge Patricia Harney told Mr McDonagh that he was lucky not to be losing his licence.

She imposed a €700 fine and sentenced him to one month's imprisonment. However, the prison sentence was suspended for 12 months on the condition that he does not engage in any sulky racing and engages in good behaviour. 

Mr McDonagh was also ordered by the judge to sign each Wednesday at Bruff garda station. 

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