A 38-year old north Clare man has been returned for trial charged with the dangerous driving causing the death of Stephanie Fitzpatrick.

At Ennis District Court today, Damian McNamara of Lissatunna, Ennistymon was sent forward for trial to Ennis Circuit Court in connection with being charged with the dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Fitzpatrick at Cloonaveigh, Lahinch Rd, Ennistymon on Saturday, February 19th this year.

Ms Fitzpatrick was a front seat passenger in the 05-D registered car at the time of the fatal road crash.

Mr McNamara is also facing a ‘drink driving’ summons from the same location on the same date and Sgt Louis Moloney told Judge Mary Larkin today that the summons case can track the dangerous driving causing death case.

A Book of Evidence was today served concerning the dangerous driving causing death charge and Judge Mary Larkin granted legal aid to solicitor, Daragh Hassett for a senior and junior counsel to also represent Mr McNamara in the circuit court after Mr Hassett told Judge Larkin that the case was ‘very serious’.

Judge Larkin told Mr McMamara that if an alibi formed any part of his defence that he had 14 days in which to inform the State.

Mr McNamara was first charged concerning the dangerous driving causing death allegation in October and in evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Sgt David O’Connor of Ennistymon Garda Station told the court that Mr McNamara made ‘no reply’ after caution.

Bail for Mr McNamara was extended on the same terms where Garda had no objection to bail provided that Mr McNamara surrender his passport and have no contact with material witnesses in the case.

Ms Fitzpatrick was part of a large and well known family from Doolin Road, Lisdoonvarna.

Stephanie was predeceased by her father Patrick. She is survived by her mother Biddy, brothers Pauric, Gerry, Noel, Kieran and Fintan and her sisters Marian, Carole, Tina and Eilish.