Groomsman pleads guilty to death of groom hours before Irish wedding

A groomsman has pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of a Limerick man hours before he was due to walk down the aisle.

Shane Harty, aged 21, of Tola Park, Shannon pleaded guilty to the charge when he was arraigned before Judge Colin Daly at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court last week. 

The late Myles Harty, age 20, of Friary Court, Askeaton, died following a road traffic collision on the R518, Cragmore, Rathkeale Road, Askeaton at around 1am on Saturday morning, August 21, 2021.

It is understood the accused and the victim are related.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley BL, instructed by State Solicitor Brendan Gill, said the victim’s parents and fiancée were in the court.

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“It is a very tragic case. The deceased was due to be married on the day of the incident,” said Ms Buckley.

Judge Daly said it is a very difficult case and extended the court’s sympathies to the family on their loss.

Shane Harty, who was wearing blue jeans and red shirt, said “guilty” when the court registrar put the charge of careless driving causing the death to him.

Brian McInerney SC, instructed by solicitor Michael O’Donnell, represented Shane Harty during the brief procedural matter.

Mr McInerney said his client was a groomsman in the wedding.

Shane Harty is due to be sentenced on Monday, November 18. He was remanded on continuing bail.