Judge tells legal teams ‘get heads together’

A judge has asked legal teams to “get their heads together” to allow one of Ireland’s most serious alleged dangerous driving cases to go ahead.

Judge John O’Hagan said he understood those involved in the case of eight people killed in a Co Donegal road crash in 2010 were anxious to have it heard.

Shaun Kelly, 23, of Hill Road, Ballymagan, Buncrana appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court yesterday charged with dangerous driving.

Mr Kelly’s barrister Peter Nolan said the Kelly family were anxious for the case to proceed.

He said he had requested information from the State on previous occasions but said this had not been completely forthcoming.

“I want to put on record that there is a disquiet with Mrs Kelly [Shaun Kelly’s mother],” he said.

Counsel for the State Ms Patricia McLaughlin said all efforts were being made to get the case ready.

The court was told the case will take between four and five days.

Judge O’Hagan addressed all family members of those affected by the case stating: “All the pieces have to be put in place before the trial can proceed and hopefully as quickly as possible.”

The men who died in the crash on Jul 11, 2010 were: Eamon McDaid, 22 of Ballymagan, Buncrana; Hugh Friel, 66, Urris, Clonmany; Mark McLaughlin, 21, of Ballinahone, Fahan; Paul Doherty, 19, of Ardagh, Ballyliffin; Ciaran Sweeney, 19, of Ballyliffin; PJ McLaughlin, 21, of Rockstown, Burnfoot; James McEleney, 23, of Meenaduff, Clonmany; and Damien McLaughlin, 21, of Umricam, Buncrana.

The horrific crash happened at Meenaduff between Buncrana and Clonmany.