Latest news with #O'Donoghue
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Sunday World
Man who caused death of niece weeks after she gave birth is gangster's brother
Criminal Assets Bureau claimed that sibling was involved in massive money-laundering operation A MAN who admitted causing the death of his niece after ramming steel gates with a van is the younger brother of a Limerick gangland figure. Danny O'Donoghue (42) pleaded guilty this week to dangerous driving causing the death of 21-year-old Marguerita O'Rourke in Rathkeale just days before Christmas. He also admitted possession of a machete, making threats to kill and causing criminal damage to a van. O'Donoghue who has been in custody since his arrest last December is due to be sentenced in October. His brother John O'Donoghue is a convicted drug dealer who has also been targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau. John recently spent time in Portlaoise Prison before a conviction for a feud-related attack in Rathkeale was quashed on appeal and he was set free last year. His brother Danny appeared by video-link from the same prison this week at Limerick Circuit Court. John O'Donoghue Marguerita O'Rourke, who had her first child just three weeks earlier, had been closing steel gates to a property when Danny O'Donoghue hit the gates, killing her. The property is not far from the house where John O'Donoghue lives and which has been the target of an attempted pipe bomb attack in the past. It was also the scene of raid by the Criminal Assets Bureau. During his two years behind bars, it also emerged in a Cab case that John O'Donoghue was regarded as significant player in massive money laundering scheme. The senior investigating officer also described O'Donoghue as being 'closely associated' with Eds McCarthy, a leading figure in the McCarthy-Dundon gang. In the Cab case against a car firm, Bawn Motors, it was highlighted how O'Donoghue had 'established himself as a key figure in the international drugs trade' and has 'extensive criminal contacts with the wider Traveller community'. It was also stated he had met with Chirsty Keane, the leading member of Limerick's Keane gang at a Rathkeale pub along with one of Keane's most trusted lieutenants Dermot 'Pum' McManus. Flowers at Marguerita's funeral Since Marguerite's death family members have continued to post heartfelt tributes to the young woman expressing their huge sense of loss. Even this as news of the court case went online this week one woman commented: 'My beautiful sister you didn't deserve this l love you so much forever in my heart.' Her death last Christmas came after a number of incidents of violence in the Co Limerick town during the traditional influx of people ahead of Christmas. A house was damaged and in a shocking incident in which a BMW X5 was used to smash into property and was then set alight in November. In October a truck was used to damage a property in another incident and petrol bombs thrown at a house. Three years ago, Rathkeale saw a terrifying incident during the Christmas period in which a series of vehicles were rammed and written off. The Sunday World revealed at the time that the incident came as part of a three-way fight for dominance between criminal gangs. In a video of the aftermath a machete was visible lying on the road. Just a few weeks before Ms O'Rourke's tragic death, a man was attacked by hurley-wielding assailants and his car smashed up in the town. Marguerita O'Rourke (née Sheridan) Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 21st At one point there were plans to close a number of roads in the town as part of a garda operation did not go ahead after objections from local residents. Ms O'Rourke's funeral became a memorable as well as a huge vigil in the Co Limerick town, where balloons were released into the sky. Among the many heartfelt tributes online was one from her brother Freddy, who said at the time it had taken him days to able to put his feelings into words. He said that Christmas would never be the same, 'not just Christmas; my life will never be the same' and that she had left behind 'a very special boy.' He added that he couldn't believe he was saying 'rest in peace, our Marguerita.' Her father John paid tribute to the people who had shown such public support for the family for the daughter he described as 'a true legend.' Hundreds of family and friends turned out on Christmas at a candlelit vigil in the town on Christmas Eve. In a social media post he thanked 'the gardaí, nurses, doctors, priests, the settled people in Rathkeale, the Travelling people and everyone for their messages. 'The local shops, hotels for everything and everyone who called to my house and everyone over the world, thank you.'
The Journal
17-07-2025
- The Journal
Limerick man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of his niece Marguerita O'Rourke
A MAN PLEADED guilty before a court today to dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke, and to producing a machete on the same day. Danny O'Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, admitted the offences when he appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. Mr O'Donoghue, appeared before the court via a video-link from Portlaoise Prison, where he is currently being held on remand. He admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, at Bank Place, Rathkeale, on 21 December, 2024. Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, had given birth to her first child, a son, three weeks prior to her death. The young mother had been closing steel gates to a property when Mr O'Donoghue struck the gates, killing her. Mr O'Donoghue's barrister, senior counsel Michael Bowman, instructed by solicitor Michael O'Donnell, told the court: 'The tragic deceased was actually the niece of the accused.' Judge Colin Daly said it was a 'sad case indeed'. The judge said, given the 'sensitive' nature of the case he was directing that Mr O'Donoghue's sentencing hearing would be scheduled on its own. 'There is some sensitivity to this and I believe Mr O'Donoghue's sentence hearing would benefit from an afternoon to itself, the evidence is likely to take some time, possibly an hour,' the judge said. Prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley BL, told the court: 'The deceased was 21 years of age and her husband is currently in the United Kingdom. 'Victim impact statements will have to be canvassed, the deceased's parents John Sheridan and Margaret Sheridan will have to be canvassed, and (Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan) had one brother and a three-week old child at the time.' Advertisement Mr O'Donoghue also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the set of gates, the property of Mary Teresa O'Rourke, arising out of the same fatal incident last December. He also pleaded guilty to producing a machete during the course of a dispute and causing criminal damage to a silver Ford Transit Custom van, the property of Patrick Sheridan, on the same date. Mr O'Donoghue was also facing a fifth offence that he did threaten to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, on the same date. Lily Buckley told the court that Mr O'Donoghue was pleading guilty to the four other offences outlined 'without prejudice'. Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail since he was arrested and held in custody on remand last December. A few weeks prior to her death, Ms O'Rourke and her husband, Denis, had celebrated the birth of their first child. Thousands of people attended a candle lit vigil at Rathkeale, last Christmas Eve following Ms O'Rourke, née Sheridan's, death. Blown up photographs of the deceased dressed in her wedding dress were erected in and around St Mary's Church, Rathkeale, during her funeral mass. Her remains were brought in a glass carriage drawn by horses to her final resting place at Rathkeale Cemetery. In an online tribute to his late daughter, John Sheridan described Ms O'Rourke, née Sheridan, as 'a true legend' who loved 'horses'. The deceased's brother Freddy Sheridan stated: 'It's never going to be the same without you, Maggie, but you left us a very special boy, I know his mama should be here with him, but unfortunately life didn't go that way.' 'Rest in Peace Marguerita, I can't believe I had to say it, love you my sister.' In court today Mr O'Donoghue's barrister successfully applied for a pre-sentencing report from the Governor of Portlaoise Prison as well as an Prison educational report in respect of the accused. Judge Colin Daly remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody for sentencing on 29 October. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Sunday World
17-07-2025
- Sunday World
Limerick man admits causing death of niece weeks after she gave birth
Danny O'Donoghue, (42) admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke. A man pleaded guilty before a court today to dangerous driving causing the death of his niece and to producing a machete on the same day. Danny O'Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, admitted the offences when he appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. Mr O'Donoghue, appeared before the court via a video-link from Portlaoise Prison, where he is currently being held on remand. He admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, at Bank Place, Rathkeale, on December 21st, 2024. Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, had given birth to her first child, a son, three weeks prior to her death. The funeral of Marguerita O'Rourke in Rathkeale Picture: Brendan Gleeson The young mother had been closing steel gates to a property when Mr O'Donoghue struck the gates, killing her. Mr O'Donoghue's barrister, senior counsel Michael Bowman, instructed by solicitor Michael O'Donnell, told the court: 'The tragic deceased was actually the niece of the accused.' Judge Colin Daly said it was a 'sad case indeed'. The judge said, given the 'sensitive' nature of the case he was directing that Mr O'Donoghue's sentencing hearing would be scheduled on its own. 'There is some sensitivity to this and I believe Mr O'Donoghue's sentence hearing would benefit from an afternoon to itself, the evidence is likely to take some time, possibly an hour,' the judge said. Prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley BL, told the court: 'The deceased was 21 years of age and her husband is currently in the United Kingdom. Victim impact statements will have to be canvassed, the deceased's parents John Sheridan and Margaret Sheridan will have to be canvassed, and (Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan) had one brother and a three-week old child at the time.' Marguerita O'Rourke (née Sheridan) Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 17th Mr O'Donoghue also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the set of gates, the property of Mary Teresa O'Rourke, arising out of the same fatal incident last December. He also pleaded guilty to producing a machete during the course of a dispute and causing criminal damage to a silver Ford Transit Custom van, the property of Patrick Sheridan, on the same date. A nolle prosequi is to be entered by the prosecution in respect of Mr O'Donoghue previously being charged with one count of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, also on the same date. Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail since he was arrested and held in custody on remand last December. A few weeks prior to her death, Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan and her husband, Denis, had celebrated the birth of their first child. Thousands of people attended at a candle lit vigil at Rathkeale, last Christmas Eve following her Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan's death. Blown up photographs of the deceased dressed in her wedding dress were erected in and around St Mary's Church, Rathkeale, during her funeral mass. Her remains were brought in a glass carriage drawn by horses to her final resting place at Rathkeale Cemetery. In online tribute to his late daughter, John Sheridan, described Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan as 'a true legend' who loved 'horses'. The deceased's brother Freddy Sheridan stated: 'It's never going to be the same without you, Maggie, but you left us a very special boy, I know his mama should be here with him, but unfortunately life didn't go that way.' 'Rest in Peace Marguerita, I can't believe I had to say it, love you my sister.' In court today Mr O'Donoghue's barrister successfully applied for a pre-sentencing report from the Governor of Portlaoise Prison as well as an Prison educational report in respect of the accused. Judge Colin Daly remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody for sentencing on October 29th.
Irish Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of niece
A man pleaded guilty before a court today to dangerous driving causing the death of his niece and to producing a machete on the same day. Danny O'Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, admitted the offences when he appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. Mr O'Donoghue, appeared before the court via a video-link from Portlaoise Prison, where he is currently being held on remand. He admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, at Bank Place, Rathkeale, on December 21, 2024. Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, had given birth to her first child, a son, three weeks prior to her death. The young mother had been closing steel gates to a property when Mr O'Donoghue struck the gates, killing her. Mr O'Donoghue's barrister, senior counsel Michael Bowman, instructed by solicitor Michael O'Donnell, told the court: 'The tragic deceased was actually the niece of the accused.' Judge Colin Daly said it was a 'sad case indeed'. The judge said, given the 'sensitive' nature of the case he was directing that Mr O'Donoghue's sentencing hearing would be scheduled on its own. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week 'There is some sensitivity to this and I believe Mr O'Donoghue's sentence hearing would benefit from an afternoon to itself, the evidence is likely to take some time, possibly an hour,' the judge said. Prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley BL, told the court: 'The deceased was 21 years of age and her husband is currently in the United Kingdom. Victim impact statements will have to be canvassed, the deceased's parents John Sheridan and Margaret Sheridan will have to be canvassed, and (Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan) had one brother and a three-week old child at the time.' Mr O'Donoghue also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the set of gates, the property of Mary Teresa O'Rourke, arising out of the same fatal incident last December. He also pleaded guilty to producing a machete during the course of a dispute and causing criminal damage to a silver Ford Transit Custom van, the property of Patrick Sheridan, on the same date. A nolle prosequi is to be entered by the prosecution in respect of Mr O'Donoghue previously being charged with one count of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, also on the same date. Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail since he was arrested and held in custody on remand last December. A few weeks prior to her death, Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan and her husband, Denis, had celebrated the birth of their first child. Thousands of people attended at a candle lit vigil at Rathkeale, last Christmas Eve following her Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan's death. Blown up photographs of the deceased dressed in her wedding dress were erected in and around St Mary's Church, Rathkeale, during her Funeral Mass. Her remains were brought in a glass carriage drawn by horses to her final resting place at Rathkeale Cemetery. In online tribute to his late daughter, John Sheridan, described Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan as 'a true legend' who loved 'horses'. The deceased's brother Freddy Sheridan stated: 'It's never going to be the same without you, Maggie, but you left us a very special boy, I know his mama should be here with him, but unfortunately life didn't go that way.' 'Rest in Peace Marguerita, I can't believe I had to say it, love you my sister.' In court today Mr O'Donoghue's barrister successfully applied for a pre-sentencing report from the Governor of Portlaoise Prison as well as an Prison educational report in respect of the accused. Judge Colin Daly remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody for sentencing on October 29. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Examiner
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Cashel's King Cormacs new princes aiming to help Tipperary reclaim All-Ireland hurling throne
Seán and Catherine O'Donoghue missed Oisín's goal last Sunday week. There they were in Croke Park alright, sitting in the Hogan Stand, but the folks in front of them were on their feet by the time they rose to theirs and their 19-year-old son had struck that audacious shot. Then a voice said O'Donoghue was the man who put the ball in the Kilkenny net, then another and his parents turned to each other and embraced. Teenagers scoring senior majors in Croke Park has become a lesser-spotted thing. Shane O'Donnell's hat-trick in 2013 would come to mind but the gap between under-age and senior had supposedly become a gulf. Darragh McCarthy, Sam O'Farrell and O'Donoghue have debunked that theory. And Oisín, scoring his third championship goal and second in as many games, is U20 again next year. At the final whistle, Oisín jumped into the arms of his team-mate, Cashel King Cormacs club-mate and big cousin Eoghan Connolly, Just as he did as a fan after the end of the 2019 U20 All-Ireland final against Cork when Eoghan was part of Liam Cahill's winning side. 'He idolised him big time,' says Seán. 'Eoghan Connolly is a gentleman on and off the field. All the juveniles look up to him. He has taken on that mantle and is involved in coaching in the club. You're seeing the real Eoghan Connolly now, a man who can really hurl. He's turned out to be one of the top backs in the country.' Tipp U20 ace Oisin O'Donoghue with his father Sean Catherine's sister Theresa is married to TJ Connolly, who has managed the Tipperary U21s and led Cashel King Cormacs back to senior level last season. The Butlers from Holycross-Cahill, the sisters have strong claims for their sons's prowess and O'Donoghue and Connolly were players of note themselves, part of the club's sole senior county championship success in 1991 when they later added Munster honours. Both played at various levels for Tipperary. Seán captained the minors in 1990 and was part of the team that lost to Kilkenny in the following year's final before featuring for the U21s in 1994. Connolly was a dual player at minor level for two years and at U21 for three. Sunday is the first All-Ireland senior final since '91 that Cashel King Cormacs have had more than one representative in a Tipperary panel when the Bonnar brothers were in their pomp and reflects the strides they have been making in recent years. 'It has taken a lot of time to get here,' says O'Donoghue, who is also club chairman. 'We kind of took our eyes off the ball in the 1990s when the seniors were successful and the juveniles weren't brought on at the same time. But in the last 11, 12 years, the juvenile section has been brought back to where it should be.' Anyone who witnessed Cashel claim a premier intermediate title last season would have been taken by their size. Oisín himself is superbly conditioned for a teenager. Connolly has handed over the baton to Fergie O'Loughlin and Eoin Cadogan this season with hopes high of marking their return to senior level with a bang. 'The gym we have is top class and our juveniles have a qualified strength and conditioning coach overseeing their training and ensuring they do things proper,' says Seán. 'We're definitely on the right track.' O'Donoghue is an outgoing man and the pride he takes from seeing Oisín and Eoghan is unmistakable. The pair were back in Leahy Park pucking a ball around the evening after the semi-final as children gathered to train and that image filled his heart. 'The boys would have similar personalities. They're very cool, calm and collected, very humble. Their feet are firmly on the ground and they know what this means to Cashel King Cormacs. The club keeps our juveniles on the straight and narrow and makes good men of them in the future.' When Oisín was confirmed as the goalscorer, Seán's thoughts turned to his late father Pat and brother James, who was on that stand-out Cashel team with him and Connolly. 'That they couldn't be there to watch Oisín in Croke Park,' Seán's voice falters for a second. 'My father came to Cashel as a detective in 1963. He was on duty when the great Jack Lynch hit the first hurling ball in Rockwell College in '64. He was a big football man of course but hurling too and involved in the club many years.' Tipperary forward Oisin O'Donoghue with his parents Seán and Catherine. Seán would admit to pucking every ball with his son and nephew-in-law. 'I would be vocal at matches and Catherine at times wouldn't like that. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I like to see our players do well, especially the Cashel King Cormacs men.' In 1991, there were five sets of brothers in the Cashel squad comprising 15 of the 27-man panel – the Bonnars (Cormac, Colm, Conal and Ailbe), the O'Donoghues (Pat, Seán and James), the Fitzells (Pa, Peter and Willie), the Grogans (Johnny and Tommy) and the Slatterys (Tony, Ger and Seán). Currently, six of the Cashel senior panel are related – Margaret Butler is married to Brendan Bonnar and their sons Con and Ross are there as is Ronan, Eoghan's younger brother. He was joint-captain of the Harty Cup-winning Cashel CS team, which Oisín was also a member of two years ago. And that number is likely to grow. Oisín is the eldest of Seán and Catherine's five sons. After him, there's Briain (18), Ultan (16), Cormac (14) and Tiernan (12). This week will be expensive but 'it becomes an after-thought,' insists Seán. 'Occasions like this don't come around too often.' Oisín finished his first year in UL and is currently working with Martin Bourke's Farm Relief Services in Cahir for the summer. 'I'd say he hasn't been out once on a social night out in UL because of his commitment to his hurling between senior and U20 hurling since last November,' reckons Seán. 'For every county player now, I imagine it's a life of discipline and everything Oisín does is down to the minutiae from diet to recovery. He doesn't eat rubbish. It's all about getting ready for big days like this.' Father and son wouldn't talk too much about hurling. When they do, it's short and to the point. Oisín's attitude about playing in Croke Park for the first time last Sunday week was simply he would no longer be a rookie after the game. This Sunday morning, from their homes four miles apart, the O'Donoghues and Connollys will send off their sons as they have done for all their championship games. Seán's advice for Oisín will be the same as it always is: 'Loads of movement.' The handshake, the hug, the kiss – they will say a lot more.
