Five young male drivers have been charged with a total of nine counts of dangerous driving in connection with an unofficial night-time car event involving 70 cars in north Clare last month.
The event organised through social media took place on the night of March 7th/March 8th near the Cliffs of Moher and at Corkscrewhill near Ballyvaughan in the Burren.
At Ennis District Court today, seven young males — including one Leaving Cert student who cannot be named for legal reasons — and one female appeared on various charges that involved nine separate counts of dangerous driving against five of the defendants on the March night.
In court, Wayne Danaher (19) of Snipe Lodge, Knockagulla, Lisdoonvarna was charged with participating in the organisation of an unlawful event which involved a threat to the public peace, safety and good order through the use of high powered vehicles in a public place.
Mr Danaher is also charged with wilfully preventing or interrupting the passage of persons or vehicles at Lislorkin North, Liscannor near the Cliffs of Moher on March 7th and at Doonyvarden, Ballyvaughan on March 8th.
Mr Danaher is also charged with having in his possession a false driver’s licence and false ID.
Two others are also charged in connection with organising the event through the use of high powered vehicles: college student, Declan Sweeney (20) of Doonagore, Doolin and Jennifer Cannavan (20) of Derrymore, Lahinch. Both are also charged with wilfully preventing or interrupting the passage of persons or vehicles at Doonyvarden, Ballyvaughan on March 8th.
Shaun Larkin (27) of Inis Carraig, Ennis, Co Clare faces two separate charges of dangerous driving at Corkscrewhill, Doonyvarden, Ballyvaughan after 1am on March 8th.
A fifth accused, Sean Keane (19) of Ballyhannon, Quin, Co Clare faces a charge of dangerous driving on March 8th at Corkscrewhill, Doonyvarden.
A sixth accused, Rory Downes (21) Clonakilla, Kilmilhil faces three separate charges of dangerous driving from March 8th at Toomullin, Doolin, Roadford, Doolin and Gortaclob, Doolin.
Gabriel Weck of Bealcragga, Connolly, Co Clare is charged with dangerous driving at Corkscrewhill, Doonyvarden on March 8th.
Judge William Earley said that he would grant legal aid where applicable in respect of the accused “due to the seriousness of the charges”.
An application for legal aid wasn’t made on behalf of Declan Sweeney or on behalf of the 17-year old male Leaving Certificate student.
In that case, the teen is charged with dangerous driving at Lislorkin North, Liscannor near the Cliffs of Moher on March 7th and dangerous driving at Doonyvarden, Ballyvaughan on March 8th.
Judge Early remanded the Leaving Cert student on bail to re-appear before court on July 25th on account that he will be sitting his Leaving Cert in June.
In respect of the other seven accused, Judge Earley remanded all seven on bail to re-appear before court on June 11th next to hear how all four intend to plead to the various charges.
Judge Earley also directed that where the State has video evidence of the alleged offences to make it available to the defence solicitors.