Pedestrian knocked down on Kilkenny street by sun-blinded driver

A man who was blinded by the sun and knocked down a pedestrian has been convicted of careless driving at Kilkenny District Court.

Gerard O’Meara, 21 Hillside, Parkmore, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, was on his way to a scout meeting when he paused his journey to check the route.

Sergeant Morgan O’Connor told the court that on April 20, 2024, Mr O’Meara pulled into a parking space in The Square in Freshford as he was having difficulties with his GPS.

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The injured party was walking towards O’Shea’s newsagents, on The Square. The sun was low and in Mr O’Meara’s eyes. He had checked the way was clear before pulling out but did not see the other man step out.

The injured party went onto the bonnet of the car for a moment before falling onto the ground.
Mr O’Meara went to his aid, offering to call gardaí and an ambulance, but the man said he didn’t want this and walked on to the shop.

The injured man later went to be medically checked out.

Gerard Kennedy BL, for Mr O’Meara, said his client is 60 and is a carer for his mother who is ill. He is married with four, adult children.

Mr Kennedy said his client was in full scout uniform on the day. He is a first aider and told the injured man that, the barrister said. The accounts of both men tallied, he added, and CCTV reflected that. Mr O’Meara was sincerely apologetic, Mr Kennedy said.

Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted Mr Kennedy and imposed a fine of €400.