Three UK-based travellers barred from Rathkeale as part of bail conditions ahead of trial - uncle now jailed over hit and run death of niece

THREE UK-based travellers have been banned from setting foot in their spiritual home as part of bail conditions ahead of a violent disorder trial.

Marguerita O’Rourke (née Sheridan), 21, (above) was killed in Rathkeale in a feud related hit and run on December 21 2024.

She had given birth to a baby boy Edward just three weeks earlier.

Her uncle Danny O'Donoghue, 43, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing her death in October and was jailed for five-and-a-half years, with the last six months suspended, and a seven-year driving ban, at his sentence on January 21 2026 by Judge Colin Daly, who said his recklessness was grave.

The court heard she was opening steel gates for her mother when O’Donoghue drove his van at them, causing a fatal head injury.

CCTV footage showed him driving a white van into Bank Place.

The van was then seen ramming into the 2.62m high gates before O’Donoghue shouted at his sister then driving off.

The court heard that O’Donoghue, of Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, said he was unaware that anybody had been injured in the incident and that he will carry the shame and guilt with him always.

But, his actions were described as "reckless, violent and dangerous" by the victim’s husband, Denis O’Rourke.

He said in a victim impact statement that whatever feud existed between the families it did not justify his actions which led to him planning her funeral instead of their first Christmas with their baby.

Judge Daly said the loss of "a young woman, a new wife and a new mother" was immense with it being caused by an extended family member adding to the grief.

In a separate court case, Mrs O'Rourke's widow Denis O’Rourke, 33, (below with Marguerita and further below with Edward) who has an address in Roche’s Road, Rathkeale, but is a British citizen and usually resides in England, has been barred from entering the town this Christmas following an alleged violent disorder incident in a County Limerick pub, the Limerick Leader reported.

He was charged in December with violent disorder at The Thatch Bar, Newbridge, Askeaton on August 10.

Limerick District Court heard he was arrested in Rathkeale on Sunday, December 21, after returning to the town to attend his late wife’s anniversary Mass.

O’Rourke and two co-accused, Richard Flynn, 37, of Abbey Court, Rathkeale, and Daniel Flynn, 44, of Deel Court, Rathkeale, were charged with the same offences.

It is alleged that at 10:08pm on August 10, 2025 they were among six men who entered the pub "armed with two knives and bottles containing a corrosive substance."

The attack was allegedly targeted at a member of the O’Donoghue family, who was able to escape, as part of an ongoing violent feud.

The prosecution argued that O’Rourke was a flight risk and should be remanded in custody.

However, Judge Liz Healy granted him conditional bail provided he does not enter Rathkeale.

A cash surety of 10,000 euros, with 5,000 euros lodged with the court, was also put forward by his father-in-law John Sheridan.

He must also provide a mobile phone number and UK address to the court.

Richard Flynn is also charged with possession of a corrosive substance in Rathkeale on Sunday, December 21.

Bail was also granted to both Flynns, who are also from England, on the same conditions.

The case was adjourned to February 27 this year.