A groomsman has entered a guilty plea to careless driving causing death after a single-vehicle collision that claimed the life of his cousin, on what was meant to be the cousin’s wedding day.
Shane Harty, 21, of Tola Park, Shannon, County Clare, Ireland was behind the wheel of a silver Skoda hatchback when it left the road and struck a pole at approximately 1 a.m. on August 21, 2021. The crash occurred on the R518 Askeaton to Rathkeale Road.
His cousin, Myles “Miley” Harty, 20, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene. A third occupant, who was in the rear seat, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to University Hospital Limerick for treatment.
The incident occurred mere hours before Myles Harty was scheduled to marry Kate Quilligan at St. Munchin’s Church in Limerick city. Earlier that evening, Quilligan had shared a social media message expressing excitement about the upcoming ceremony, writing, “Can’t believe I’m marrying my best friend in the whole world in the morning. See you at the altar babes.”
Instead of a wedding celebration, family and friends gathered at the church to remember Myles Harty. The gathering included playing the couple’s favorite music and releasing blue heart-shaped balloons inscribed with “King For A Day” and “20,” referencing his age.
Parish Priest Father Sean O’Longaigh addressed the assembled mourners, noting the sharp contrast between the day’s intended purpose and its reality. “They are now switching from a wedding to a funeral, and our thoughts and prayers are with them,” he said.
Weeks following the incident, Quilligan announced she was expecting Harty’s child, sharing an image of a baby outfit with the text: “Handpicked for earth by my Daddy in Heaven.” She expressed gratitude for this connection to her late fiancé, stating, “You knew I needed something to get me through the bad days and that’s why you blessed me with our miracle baby.”
The case was heard at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, where Shane Harty entered his guilty plea. Lily Buckley, the prosecuting barrister, described it as “a very serious case.” The court will consider victim impact statements from both Quilligan and Myles Harty’s parents before determining the sentence.
Brian McInerney, the senior defense barrister for Shane Harty, noted the case’s “certain sensitivities,” particularly highlighting his client’s role as the deceased’s groomsman. Judge Colin Daly extended the court’s sympathies to the family and friends of Myles Harty and scheduled the sentencing for November 18, 2024 at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.
