'Excitable' Kildare driver fined for speeding

A MAN clocked doing 142kph on the Sallins bypass, then overtaking on the wrong side, forcing an oncoming lorry into the hard shoulder was given a chance and a fine after the judge accepted he just got a favourable diagnosis. 

Eoin Dowling (33), The Avenue, Leadwill Park, Kilcock was appearing in Athy District Court last week (24 March) charged with dangerous driving on 11 September, 2024.

Barrister Senan Crawford said his client was willing to plead guilty to the lesser charge of careless driving, so Judge Desmond Zaidan asked to hear the state’s evidence.

Garda Alwyn Howard said he had been on patrol that afternoon when he clocked Mr Dowling’s BMW doing 142kph in that 80kph zone, as well as “overtaking on the wrong side, forcing a lorry to partly go into the hard shoulder". 

"He then overtook another lorry and a car,” he added.

“So he did a double-take?” said Judge Desmond Zaidan. 

"Still, it’s on a bend." he added, looking at the still photo provided by Garda Howard to the court. “When stopped he was very co-operative and apologetic. 

"He said he had got some good news, and was rather excitable that day."

Mr Crawford said: “My client had just been to the doctors thinking he was going to be diagnosed with pneumonia, but he was all clear."

“He has got rid of that car since,” added the garda.

“I would rather see him lose his licence than his life,” said the judge.

“He was negative for drugs and alcohol when tested,” said Garda Howard.

“You are very generous to him,” noted the judge before reducing the charge, and fining him €1,000.