Trial begins over deaths of garda and fireman

A GARDA and a firefighter were killed instantly when an apprentice carpenter driving with excess alcohol ploughed into them while they attended an accident scene, Limerick Circuit Court heard.

The court heard the prosecution’s case of how Niall Shannon, who faces a number of motoring charges, was travelling so fast that when he crashed into his victims, Garda Brian Kelleher was propelled a distance of 30 metres by the impact. Firefighter Mike Liston was thrown into the air and ended up in a wall. Both men died at the scene.

Shannon, aged 20, of Lenamore, Ballylongford, Co Kerry has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Garda Kelleher, aged 46, and Mr Liston, aged 47, at Barrigone, Askeaton on February 25, 2007.