Disqualified driver sentenced for fatal hit‑and‑run killing nurse Áine O’Reilly

Retired Garda Eugene O’Reilly gave an emotional victim impact statement as the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court heard the sentencing of Keelan O’Connell for the death of his daughter Áine O’Reilly, 33.

O’Connell, 19, of Scanlon Park, Castleconnell, admitted dangerous driving causing death after a hit‑and‑run on 13 February 2026. He told Gardaí he was speeding while high on cannabis and “fast gas” (laughing gas) and collided with a car driven by Ukrainian national Oleksii Horshkov, sending it into the path of Ms O’Reilly’s vehicle.

Áine O’Reilly, a nurse from Pallasgreeen, died instantly. Horshkov suffered a fractured spine and psychological trauma. O’Connell and two male passengers fled the scene without offering assistance or contacting emergency services, but surrendered to Gardaí the following day.

The court heard that O’Connell was disqualified from driving, unregistered to the car and uninsured. Dash‑cam and CCTV footage showed the fatal collision and the passengers inhaling balloons of “fast gas” before the incident.

Áine’s parents, Ann and Eugene, and brother James delivered heart‑breaking statements, describing the “life sentence” of grief left for the family. Judge Mary Morrissey expressed sympathy and indicated a sentencing date of 17 November.

Charges

O’Connell pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, failing to report an accident and failing to offer assistance.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: SHOX ART / Pexels.