Woman pleads guilty to careless driving resulting in death of Waterford-based Slovakian native

A woman will be sentenced early next year after pleading guilty to careless driving resulting in the death of a woman in Waterford.

A woman will be sentenced early next year after pleading guilty to careless driving resulting in the death of a woman in Waterford.

Josephine Freyne of Rathpatrick, Slieverue, Kilkenny via Waterford, appeared before Waterford circuit court on Tuesday for arraignment. 

The 64-year-old pleaded guilty to the single charge which arose from a three-vehicle collision at Moonameen, on Waterford’s ring road, on March 30, 2025.

Slovakian native Viera Augustinakova was killed in the collision. 

She had been living in Cockpit Lane, Tallow, Co Waterford, where she was a very well-known member of the local community.

Three other people were hospitalised after the incident which occurred at around 2pm on Mother’s Day.

After Ms Freyne’s guilty plea on Tuesday, Judge Eugene O’Kelly said he would be making a request to Ms Augustinakova’s family for a victim impact statement ahead of sentencing. 

She was survived by her partner and her mother, as well as other relatives in Slovakia.

The case has been adjourned to January 13 to fix a date for sentencing.

Following Ms Augustinakova’s death, a GoFundMe campaign was set up by the Tallow community to help her family meet the costs of her repatriation to Slovakia and her funeral.

Prior to her repatriation, she lay in repose at Aidan Walsh and Sons Funeral Home, Tallow, followed by a funeral Mass in the local church. A private cremation service later took place.

Her nephew wrote a message on Rip.ie, thanking people “for all the expressions of condolences here and also for those to us in Slovakia”.

He added: “We are very sorry for this unexpected loss also for you, her dear and kind friends in Ireland, which was her second home and life.

“Heartfelt thanks for all the help in preparing the ceremony and for all the psychological support to Stasz and her loved ones here, so far from her, and yet still so close in our hearts.”