*The late Gerard Gunning.
A TWENTY eight year old Ennis man has pleaded guilty to the careless driving causing the death of married father of two and GAA coach, Gerard Gunning.
At Ennis Circuit Court, Joseph Smyth of Cathedral Court, Ennis has pleaded guilty to the careless driving causing the death of Broadford man, Gerard Gunning at Meelick on March 24th 2022.
Mr Gunning was a passenger in the 132 registered vehicle that Mr Smyth was driving at the time.
An apprentice plumber when first charged, Mr Smyth was sent forward from the District Court to the Circuit Court where he was initially charged with the dangerous driving causing death of Mr Gunning.
However, Mr Smyth has now pleaded guilty to the less serious careless driving charge of driving without due care and attention and thereby causing the death of Gerard Gunning.
After Mr Smyth entered his guilty plea, counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly SC (instructed by State Solicitor, Aisling Casey) said that the case now becomes one of sentence and a victim impact statement is required.
Judge Francis Comerford said that he would prioritise the sentencing hearing in the case. He said, “Where someone has lost a life as a result of an offence, there are serious matters and I will prioritise this matter as soon as I can”.
Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to July 26th to fix dates with the sentencing date likely to be in October. Judge Gabbett remanded Mr Smyth on continuing bail and excused him from attending the procedural hearing on July 26th.
Those convicted of careless driving causing death in the circuit court can face prison terms up to two years compared to prison terms up to 10 years for those convicted of dangerous driving.
Mr Gunning (47) of Kilbane, Broadford is survived by his wife, Jennifer and sons, Dillon and Adam.
In a tribute posted by Broadford GAA club in the aftermath of Mr Gunning’s death, the club said it mourned the tragic passing of its former underage player and current coach.
The club stated that Ger played to minor level for Broadford, winning U14 and U15 championships with the club and in later years, Ger became very involved in underage coaching and training in Broadford and was a very popular coach among the players of the club’s U11/ and U13 teams.
