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Carlow van driver pleads guilty over hit-and-run that left hurler injured
Summary
Michael Murphy, 50, of Woodlawn Park, Borris, pleaded guilty at Carlow Circuit Criminal Court to careless driving causing serious harm to Denis Murphy, a hurler and maths teacher, after a hit‑and‑run on 5 December 2022. Murphy was just over twice the legal alcohol limit. Denis Murphy suffered a dislocated elbow, three missing teeth and a traumatic brain injury, requiring nine days in intensive care and a long recovery. The victim impact statement, read into the record, highlighted Denis's gratitude for surviving and his ongoing struggles with memory and brain fatigue. Murphy left the scene but remained within a few miles, was later arrested for driving while intoxicated, and has since undertaken a driver safety course. The court has remanded him on bail until a sentencing hearing in November, where a sentence will be fixed.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Carlow van driver pleads guilty over hit-and-run that left hurler injured. Charges or matters: careless driving causing serious harm to Denis Murphy on the Main Street in Borris on December 5, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 5, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-08-01 Publication
Why: He said he bore Michael Murphy "no ill will" and acknowledged that "accidents occur" and "people make mistakes" but as long as lessons are learned that is all I can ask for" The statement also outlined the long road to recovery, Denis Murphy, a Maths teacher, also had because of the injury to his brain. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: careless driving causing serious harm to Denis Murphy on the Main Street in Borris on December 5, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Sinéad McMullan said she needed time to consider the case and remanded Murphy on continuing bail until the next sitting of Carlow Circuit Criminal Court in November when a sentence date will be fixed.; Judge Sinéad McMullan said she needed time to consider the case and remanded Murphy on continuing bail until the next sitting of Carlow Circuit Criminal Court in November when a sentence date will be fixed.
Places mentioned
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