This article is from page 14 of the 2013-05-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
AN AMERICAN tourist says she is “extremely embarrassed” after her driving resulted in a two car collision near Shannon earlier this month.
No one was injured as a result of the crash involving two cars that occurred at Hurler’s Cross on May 14.
The court heard that Julie Dowling (31) was driving in convoy with her family on the day in question.
The court heard that Ms Dowling looked left but never looked right before turning onto the main road near Hurler’s Cross.
Inspector John Galvin told Ennis District Court that Ms Dowling pulled out in front of an oncoming car, causing a collision.
Ms Dowling, with an address at 1210 W Indian, TRL Apartment 4, Aurora, Illinois, 60506, USA, appeared in court charged with dangerous driving.
After hearing the facts of the case, Judge Patrick Durcan agreed to reduce the charge to one of careless driving.
Defence Solicitor Stiofán Fitzpatrick told the court that his client had been traveling in a convoy of cars with 10 members of her family when the collision occurred.
He said this was the first time that Ms Dowling had driven in Ireland.
He added, “She is extremely nervous to be here before the court. She is driving for 16 years in her home state.
“She is extremely embarrassed. Fortunately no one was injured”.
The court heard Ms Dowling cooperated fully with gardaí. People were taken to hospital as a precaution but were all released, the court heard.
Judge Patrick Durcan said he could understand how an accident like this could happen.
He said he would prefer not to impose any order. Ms Dowling paid € 300 to the court poor box and the charge was struck out.
Judge Durcan told Ms Dowling that the money would be donated towards charity.
He added, “You are very welcome in this country and I hope this hasn’t dampened your visit.”