In a tragic set of circumstances, a 21-year-old man by the name of Shane Harty has admitted to negligent driving that resulted in the fatality of his cousin, Myles Harty, on the day the latter was set to wed. The incident happened on August 21, 2021, in Tola Park, Shannon, Co Clare. At the time, Shane was driving a silver Skoda hatchback with Myles in the front passenger seat, and an additional male in the backseat. A catastrophic loss of control led to the vehicle colliding with a pole, causing Myles’ immediate death and maining the third occupant.
The single-car crash occurred in Cragmore on the R518, between Askeaton and Rathkeale, around 1 am. Shane was arrested at the site in line with the Road Traffic Act.
Tragically, Myles was set to marry the love of his life, Kate Quilligan, at St Munchin’s Church in Limerick City later that same day. A distraught Ms. Quilligan, supported by an assembly of relatives and companions, visited the church that afternoon, honouring Myles with their favourite shared songs, which were echoed through speakers.
In tribute to the wedding that Myles never got to see, blue hearts inscribed with the phrase ‘King for a Day’ were released into the sky above St Munchin’s Church. In a poignant development, Ms. Quilligan revealed a month after Myle’s death that she was pregnant with his child.
Limerick Circuit Criminal Court saw Shane Harty admitting his guilt, present during this emotional proceedings were Ms. Quilligan and the parents of Mr Harty. The court plans to solicit pre-sentencing victim impact statements from them to be considered in Shane Harty’s sentencing.
The prosecuting attorney, Lily Buckley, described the case as profoundly tragic during court proceedings, confirming that Myles Harty was scheduled to wed on that very day. Presiding Judge Colin Daly extended the court’s condolences to the bereaved family and friends. The senior defence lawyer representing Shane Harty, Brian McInerney, overseen by solicitor Michael O’Donnell, acknowledged the case’s sensitivities and revealed that Shane Harty served as the groomsman of the now-deceased. The judge allowed Shane Harty to remain on bail until his sentencing at the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court scheduled for Monday, the 18th of November.