Woman pleads guilty to causing death of man in Donegal crash

Chris McNulty

A Donegal woman has pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of a young man in Buncrana in 2025.

Lynda O’Doherty was formally arraigned before Judge John Aylmer at Letterkenny Circuit Court.

The 67-year-old, of The Links, Greencastle, was charged with careless driving causing the death of Jimmy McKenna on June 9th 2024, at Ballynally, Moville.

O’Doherty spoke only to say “guilty” when the charge was put to her by the court registrar.

Eugene Grant, barrister for O’Doherty, instructed by solicitor Patsy Gallagher, asked the court to extend legal aid to cover a probation report and a psychologist’s report.

Barrister for the State, Fiona Crawford, confirmed to the court that this was a “very early plea”.

Judge Aylmer ordered a probation report to include an assessment as to O’Doherty’s suitability for community service.

The case was adjourned to the October sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court.

O’Doherty has also been charged with drink-driving in relation to the same incident.

At Carndonagh District Court recently, a lengthy adjournment in respect of that charge was granted by Judge Emile Daly.

McKenna, aged 25, was killed as he was walking home having attended the Inishowen Vintage Show in the early hours of the day in question.