Meath motorist relying on satnav ended up in collision at south Louth crossroads

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 49-year-old motorist unfamiliar with the area collided with another car at a south Louth crossroads, Drogheda Court has heard.

Sinéad Farrelly (49), Mountainpole, Kells, Co. Meath, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to a careless driving summons following the incident at Togher.

It was stated on behalf of the defendant, a mother of four, that she was reliant on satnav and believed she was on the major road.

Sgt John O’Hehir said that at 2.15pm on August 10, 2024, another woman was driving a Renault north on the R166 from the Termonfeckin direction towards Annagassan and was going through a crossroads when a Seat driven by Ms Farrelly emerged from the Clonmore side and drove into her path.

The Renault was struck on the passenger side by the front of the Seat. Airbags were deployed. There were passengers in each car.

CCTV showed the accused going past a ‘Stop’ line and a ‘Stop’ sign.

Sgt O’Hehir added that the defendant was not familiar with the road.

Barrister Stephen Faulkner said that Ms Farrelly had a clean licence. A court appearance was an aberration for her.

Reliant on satnav, she believed she was on the major road, and didn’t see the sign. There was a momentary lapse of concentration.

Ms Farrelly was deeply regretful. The injured party had been fully compensated and has a new vehicle. There was no notification of any personal injury claim.

Asking the court not to disqualify his client from driving, Mr Faulkner said her four children were all dependants. There was no public transport route where they lived.

The defendant was a co-carer for her mother in Dublin.

Judge Mark O’Connell said that Sinéad Farrelly did not have a cavalier attitude. This was a one-off.

A disqualification was not imposed, and instead of a fine she was given until December 15 to have €500 compensation for the other driver.