Speeding driver in Laois agrees to GAA club donation 

A GAA club is to benefit after a motorist admitted driving his brother’s BMW X6 at 178kph on the M7 motorway in Laois. 

Patrick Maguire (63) of 35 Main Street, Kinawley,  Fermanagh, was stopped driving the car on the M7 at Ballydavis, Portlaoise, on June 18, 2025. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the dangerous driving charge arose solely due to the speed of 178kph in the 120kph zone. She said her client was hoping to have the charge reduced to one of careless driving which didn’t attract an automatic disqualification.

Garda Ross Foy gave evidence of stopping the car after detecting it travelling at 178kph. He said the driver was compliant throughout, “very apologetic and a gentleman to deal with” on the day. “The weather was good and the traffic was not heavy,” he added. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client had been visiting friends in Fermoy, Co Cork, on the date in question. She explained that he maintains a number of properties in Dublin which belong to his brother who owned the car he was driving. An issue arose with a property and he was travelling to Dublin to help resolve the problem when he was stopped in Laois, she said. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client had no previous convictions, had pleaded guilty at the first  opportunity and had travelled to attend court. “He appreciates that the speed is very high,” she remarked.

Judge Andrew Cody asked what the man’s brother was proposing. He noted the man had a number of properties in Dublin and a BMW X6. 

Ms Fitzpatrick suggested a donation of €3,000 to the court but Judge Cody told her to go and talk to the man’s brother. 

The case was put back for a second call and when it was mentioned again, Ms Fitzpatrick said her client was now proposing a €6,000 payment. 

“For a man with five properties that doesn’t seem a lot,” said Judge Cody. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client did not own five properties and earned a modest income. 

Garda Foy said “from the moment I met him he did not stop apologising.” He again described the man as a gentleman. 

Judge Cody said he would accept the payment. He asked that the money be paid directly to Birr GAA in Co Offaly. He said the club had written to him as they are carrying out works. He said if the money was paid to the club he would reduce the charge to careless driving, convict and impose a €500 fine which was to be paid within six months. He said there would be no disqualification if the money was paid.