Garda admits hit and run that claimed the life of popular Louth GAA coach

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A garda has signed guilty pleas to two offences following a fatal hit and run which claimed the life of a GAA coach.

Michael Ball appeared before Dundalk District Court on Wednesday having been summonsed by the Director of Public Prosecutions for dangerous driving of a mechanically propelled vehicle with a LH (Louth) registration causing the death of Niall McEneaney (42) at Rathmullen Road, Drogheda, on March 17, 2024.

The defendant, who is in his thirties and with an address c/o Drogheda Garda Station, Fr Connolly Way, Drogheda, was also summonsed for failing to keep the vehicle at the scene of the incident “whilst knowing that Niall McEneaney was dead, or being reckless as to whether the injury so caused resulted in his death, and did so with intent to escape civil or criminal liability”.

Members of Mr McEneaney’s family were present for the brief hearing before Judge Nicola Andrews.

State Solicitor for Co. Louth, Fergus Mullen said that the DPP consented to a send forward to the circuit court for sentence.

Judge Andrews remanded Mr Ball, who is suspended from duty, in his own bond of €100, nil cash, to Dundalk Circuit Court on Monday next January 19.

Legal aid was granted for a solicitor, barrister and senior counsel.

Judge Andrews acknowledged the presence of the late Mr McEneaney’s family.