Father of four Paudie O’Leary was killed while out training on his bike near his Kerry home in July 2012. A Cork man has today gone on trial and has pleaded not guilty.
A man has gone on trial accused of dangerous driving causing the death of a cyclist almost three years ago.
Father of four Paudie O’Leary (42) died when he was hit by a vehicle while on a training spin at Scrahanfadda, Gneeveguilla, Co Kerry.
His death occurred on the morning of July 1st, 2012.
Shane Fitzgerald (22) from Upper Knockeen, Knockduff, Meelin, Newmarket, Co Cork, is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Mr O’Leary.
Mr Fitzgerald has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The jury for his trial has today been sworn in before Judge Thomas O’Donnell at the Circuit Criminal Court.
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A lawyer for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Tom Rice told the court the State’s contention was that Mr Fitzgerald’s grey Toyota Landcruiser collided with a bicycle on the morning Mr O’Leary was killed.
Mr Rice told the court the State was alleging Mr O’Leary died as a result of that collision and that the vehicle did not stop or remain at the scene.
The deceased’s widow, Margaret, and his brothers and sisters are scheduled to appear as witnesses in the case.
Members of the dead man’s extended family were in court today for the opening of the trial.
The case is set to last for two weeks and Judge O’Donnell was told the court would hear from over 140 witnesses during that period.
Some of the witnesses would come from police force's in other jurisdictions, including Australia and the UK.
There would also be Garda witnesses and others from Toyota and a number of ferry companies.
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