A man who drove a tractor and trailer in a careless fashion, causing “serious bodily harm” to Gerry Murray, the father of Ireland rugby player Conor Murray, was remanded on bail after he admitted the offence.
Seamus Hanrahan (53) of Kilmore, Granagh, Co Limerick, appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on Monday.
Gerry Murray, (70), Patrickswell, Co Limerick, was cycling along the N20 when he was struck by Mr Hanrahan driving the agricultural vehicle, on February 7th, 2023.
Mr Murray, married to former Irish international squash player, Barbara Murray, suffered a brain bleed following the collision and was placed in an induced coma at Cork University Hospital (CUH).
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Mr Murray has since been discharged but continues to suffer a number of ongoing medical issues.
Lily Buckley, prosecuting barrister, said Mr Hanrahan made an “early plea” in the case, and that he had “was looking for time to make (personal) arrangements” ahead of his sentencing date.
Mr Hanrahan pleaded guilty to one count of careless driving causing serious bodily harm to another person, namely Gerry Murray, at Attyflin, Patrickswell, while he was driving a DAF x2 tractor unit, which was coupled to a tanker semi-trailer, without due care and attention.
Mr Hanrahan’s barrister, Amy Nix, said she was “awaiting a psychological report” in respect of the defendant, and they were waiting for a date for sentencing hearing.
Judge Colin Daly remanded Mr Hanrahan on bail for sentence on April 7th.
Speaking to this reporter after his discharge from hospital, Mr Murray praised the “superb” paramedics, doctors and nurses who helped save his life.
Mr Murray, whose son, Conor, lines out for Munster and Ireland, revealed he had to learn how to walk again through a gruelling physiotherapy programme.
He said that he still suffered with painful “nerve damage” in his right hand as well as poor mobility, and “permanent” deafness in his left ear.
He said he could recall the moments leading up to the crash, but that he had “no memory whatsoever” of the collision itself, which he said, was “probably a blessing”.
Mr Murray said he knows he is “lucky” to be alive, but that his ongoing medical issues arising out of his injuries had frustrated his attempts to attend some of his son’s rugby matches.
Crowd noise in stadiums and traveling in aeroplanes left him with terrible pain in his ears, he said.
“All the pressure comes in from through the (hearing) ear, and the noise blows my head off,” he said.
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