Man (37) appears in court over hit-and-run that killed teen pedestrian in Co Kerry on Saturday

by · TheJournal.ie

LAST UPDATE | 2 hrs ago

A 37-YEAR-OLD MAN has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident in Listowel, Co Kerry in which a 17-year-old pedestrian died. 

Rory O’Connor, who was from Athea in west Limerick, was struck by a van shortly after 3am on Saturday on the N69 Dromin Upper, in Listowel. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Alan Browne, of Elmsdale Crescent, Birmingham, UK but who is originally from Skehenerin, Listowel, Co Kerry, appeared before Cork District Court this morning. Browne faces four charges arising from the fatal collision. 

The first count states that on 26 September, at Dromin Upper, Listowel he drove a vehicle in a manner that was dangerous, thereby causing the death of Rory O’Connor. 

He is also charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. The two other charges against him are of having no insurance and no driving licence at the relevant time. 

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Sergeant Joe O’Sullivan gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. He said that Browne made no reply when the charge was put to him following a caution at 8.55pm on Sunday. 

No bail application was made in the case.

Judge David Waters remanded Browne in custody to appear before Listowel District Court on 1 October. 

Meanwhile, Rory O’Connor celebrated his 17th birthday the day before his death. A fifth-year student at a secondary school in Abbeyfeale in Limerick, he was a keen hurling supporter, both at local and national level. 

The N69 between Cahirdown Roundabout, Listowel and the townland of Derry, Listowel was closed following the incident to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local diversions were put in place. 

Gardaí issued an appeal to motorists who may have camera footage or dash cam of the incident to make it available to investigating gardaí. 

Anyone with information was also asked to contact Listowel Garda Station on (068) 50820, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.