Allegedly drove at speed against traffic on M7 in Laois and damaged a Garda car

A man appeared in court accused of driving at speed against the flow of traffic on the motorway in Laois and damaging a Garda car. 

Gavin O’Donnell (20) of 16 Island Lodge, Walsh Island, Co Offaly is accused of the unlawful taking of a vehicle at Link Road, Portarlington and causing criminal damage to an unmarked Garda car in Monasterevin and hit and run on the R445 at Hybla, Monasterevin on September 27, 2025. 

The defendant is further accused of endangerment for allegedly driving at high speed against the flow of traffic on the M7 at the Curragh for 11km causing a number of vehicles to take evasive action to avoid a collision and that he did a handbrake turn in a line of traffic. A second endangerment charge alleges that he drove the incorrect way down the M7 motorway at high speed at Cappakeel on the same date. 

He faces a further charge of dangerous driving at Link Road, Portarlington on September 26 and the same charge on September 27 at Dublin Road, Portlaoise, M7 Capakeel, M7 the Curragh, Hybla, Monastervin and on the R420 at Kilmullen. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP had directed that the defendant face trial on indictment in relation to the endangerment charges, the unlawful taking and the criminal damage of an unmarked patrol car. 

He asked for six weeks in order to prepare the book of evidence. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked about the charges which would remain in the district court. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said all of the matter could be adjourned to the same court date.

Judge Cody granted legal aid and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on May 21 for service of the book of evidence in relation to the  indictable matters.