Tramore man's sister tells court 'I’m using this time to advocate for a person who died this morning'

A man was charged with dangerous driving causing death at a special sitting at Waterford District Court on Friday evening, July 11.

John Fitzgibbon (67), with an address given as New York, US, appeared before Judge John Cheatle, represented by solicitor Hilary Delahunty.

The court heard from Garda Emma Comerford that on Wednesday evening, July 9, Mr Fitzgibbon was driving a vehicle near the Cullencastle area of Monvoy, Tramore, when the vehicle collided with a motorcycle being driven by 55-year -old Tramore man Michael O’Sullivan.

Mr O’Sullivan passed away on the morning of July 11 at University Hospital Waterford (UHW). Members of his family were present in court.

Claire, the sister of Mr O’Sullivan, told the court about how her brother was a beloved father and grandfather with decades of experience driving motorcycles. 

She told the court: “I’m using this time to advocate for a person who died this morning.” 

She called him a "model husband, model father".

Judge Cheatle thanked her and Mr O’Sullivan's children for attending court and shared his deepest sympathies.

Judge Cheatle heard that the defendant was visiting relatives in Tramore at the time of the incident, and had strong familial links to the area.

Mr Delahunty described the defendant as a highly-respected businessman in New York, a father and grandfather.

Judge Cheatle set bail at €10,000 and ordered the defendant to surrender both his Irish and American passports. The bail is to be paid to Judge Cheatle on Tuesday, July 15.

Relatives of Mr Fitzgibbon both swore an oath to act as independent sureties for him while the proceedings are ongoing.

The case was advised to go to Circuit Court on indictment.

Mr Fitzgibbon will have to sign on twice weekly at Tramore Garda Station and is not allowed to drive in the interim.