A woman has entered a guilty plea to a charge of dangerous driving causing death – and also faces multiple other charges in relation to the fatal crash – after former school teacher Michael Lorigan, above, was killed while he was out for a spin in 2023

A motorist who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of a much-loved former school teacher, who was killed while he was out for a spin, faces several other charges related to the fatal crash.

The court hearing where the guilty plea was entered was also told the driver had previous convictions for other motoring offences, though the nature of that past offending was not specified.

Michael Lorigan (70) was out cycling just before lunchtime on August 16th, 2023, at Baunmore, Kilkee, Co Clare, when he sustained fatal injuries in the crash. At the time of his death he was described in tributes as an “inspirational” and “wonderful” teacher who left an “indelible impression” on students at the Model School, Limerick.

At a hearing of Ennis Circuit Court yesterday, Monday, Saoirse Lillis McMahon, Moveen East, Kilkee, Co Clare, faced a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Lorigan and pleaded guilty.

She also faces other charges arising from the fatal crash, though no pleas were entered in relation to those. However, the court was told pleas were expected in relation to those charges when they were ready to proceed in the New Year.

Added to the charge of dangerious driving causing death, the other charges – all relating to the same date and location of the fatal crash – include:

Drink driving

Intoxicated driving

Having no insurance

Having no valid driver’s licence

Driving a defective vehicle

Mr Lorigan had taught for decades in Limerick City and was a keen leisure cyclist in his retirement years, when he completed some sportive and charity events. He was out for a ride on the afternoon he was hit by Lillis McMahon

The accused woman was remanded on continuing bail to appear before the court again on February 3rd. A probation report was requested, by the defence, and legal aid was also extended to include a psychologist’s report.