Woman, 60s, charged with careless driving causing death of young Buncrana man

January 21, 2025

A woman has appeared in court in Co Donegal charged in connection with the death of a young man in a road traffic collision.

James ‘Jimmy’ McKenna, aged 25, was killed as he was walking home from a function near Moville in the early hours of June 9th, 2024.

Mr McKenna, from Buncrana, was walking home with a friend after attending the Inishowen Vintage Show at 1.30am when he was struck by a car at Ballynally.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A woman in her 60s today appeared at Carndonagh District Court in connection with Mr McKenna’s death.

Lynda O’Doherty was taken to the court which was sitting in Buncrana by Gardai having been arrested earlier.

She is charged that she did drive a vehicle without due care and attention thereby causing the death of another person, namely James McKenna.

The charge is Contrary to Section 52 (1) and 52 (2) (a) of the Road Traffic act, 1961.

Ms. O’Doherty, aged 66, of The Links, Greencastle, Co Donegal, who was represented by solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, did not speak during the hearing.

Garda Sergeant Michael Devlin gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in the case.

He said that the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented to summary disposal of the the case on a plea of guilty only.

Ms O’Doherty was released on bail but on a number of conditions.

They include that she sign on once a week at Buncrana Garda Station, that she provide Gardai with a mobile phone number and that she remain of sober habits.

Judge Eiteain Cunningham adjourned the case until April 15th to Carndonagh District Court to allow Mr Gallagher to consider the DPP’s directions.

LEAVE A COMMENT