Ban for tractor driver stopped during the ploughing in Laois 

A Limerick tractor driver who was stopped in Abbeyleix during the National Ploughing Championships has been banned from driving. 

David Sheehy(38) of Rupplagh, Glenroe, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, was stopped for using a mobile phone while driving a John Deere tractor on Main Street, Abbeyleix on September 18, 2024. He was accused of providing false details and having no licence or insurance on the date in question.  

Garda John O’Sullivan said he was on patrol during the National Ploughing Championships when he spotted the man holding a phone while driving the 12C registered yellow and green John Deere tractor.   

He said the defendant gave his name as Liam Sheehy. However, he was later contacted by Liam Sheehy who said his brother had been driving. It was later established that the driver was the accused. 

Garda O’Sullivan said a fine was issued for the mobile phone offence but it went unpaid. He said the defendant had agreed to produce documents at Kilmallock garda station but none were produced.  He said the defendant had eight previous convictions including one for no insurance. 

Judge Andrew Cody disqualified the man from driving for four years and fined him a total of €2,000.