Paudi O’Leary with his wife Margaret and his children Shannon, Antoinette, Paudie and Ross. A man has been charged with dangerous driving in relation to Mr O'Leary's death while out training on his bike near his Co Kerry home in 2012.
A man has appeared in court to face criminal charges after the death of a cyclist knocked from his bike by a vehicle while out training for a sportive the summer before last.
Paudi O’Leary, a 42-year-old father of four, was found dead by the side of the road near his Kerry home in July 2012.
He was training for the Ring of Kerry sportive. He had been hit by a vehicle hours before he was found in an alleged case of hit and run.
Almost three weeks ago a man was arrested in London in relation to the death and on reaching Cork today he was arrested at the airport and appeared in court this evening.
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Shane Fitzgerald, aged 21 years and from Upper Knockeen, Meelin, Newmarket, Co Cork, has been charged with dangerous driving causing the death of the deceased on July 1st, 2012.
The allegation is that Mr Fitzgerald drove dangerously at Scrahanfadda, Gneeveguilla, Co Kerry on the day Mr O’Leary died.
The victim was from Leamyglissance in Co Kerry and was found dead on the side of the road when people went out searching for him after he had failed to return from his training ride.
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He was training for the 180km Ring of Kerry sportive, which took place the weekend after his death.
Mr Fitzgerald appeared in Cork District Court this evening before Judge Olann Kelleher.
Gardai objected to his release on bail on the grounds that if convicted of the crime, the accused man would possibly face a lengthy jail term given the seriousness of the charge.
Detective sergeant Fergal Foley said gardai were also seeking the accused be remanded in custody because of fears he may leave the jurisdiction.
The court was told he had left the country within 20 hours of the alleged offence, going first to the UK and then to Australia.
Judge Kelleher remanded Mr Fitzgerald in custody. He will appear at Tralee District Court on Wednesday.
Mr O'Leary was found dead by the side of the road when family members went looking for him after he failed to return from a training ride.
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