A Donegal lorry driver has been jailed for dangerous driving causing the death of a young man in Roscommon last year.
Shaun Curran, 32, of Middle Dore, Bunbeg, was sentenced today to five years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended. The sentence stems from a crash that tragically took the life of 24-year-old Rian Sheridan, from Cluainluáin, Renvyle, Co Galway.
Curran was also disqualified from driving for seven years, according to RTÉ News.
The fatal collision between Curran’s lorry and Mr. Sheridan’s car occurred at Newtown, Roscommon, on the main Athlone to Roscommon road on March 27, 2024.
The late Rian Sheridan.
Rian Sheridan’s mother stated that her family is “paying the ultimate price” due to the truck driver’s dangerous actions. She has urged all commercial drivers to prioritize safety above all else.
Mr. Sheridan was returning from football training when the collision occurred.
During the sentencing hearing, the court learned that a blowout of a defective tire on Curran’s truck caused the fully loaded vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic, resulting in the crash.
The forensic collision investigation revealed that the front tyre was badly worn and unroadworthy.
CCTV footage presented to the court showed Curran had checked the tyre twice on the day of the collision.
The court was also informed that Curran had traveled 814 kms that day, had not taken adequate rest breaks, and had committed four speeding offenses.
Sergeant Ronan O’Meara testified that Curran was speeding at 93 km/h just prior to the crash.
In Ireland, the standard speed limit for HGVs is 80km/h on all roads, except for motorways where the limit is 90 km/h.
The hearing also revealed that Curran admitted to breaches of tachograph data, which records a driver’s activity, including driving time, rest periods, speed, and distance.
The court was told that Curran had used another driver’s tachograph card on the day of the incident, and this card was found in the truck at the time of the crash.
Judge Kenneth Connolly stated during sentencing that Rian Sheridan’s death “was completely avoidable” had Curran adhered to road traffic laws and exercised due diligence in maintaining and operating his lorry.
He emphasized the “particularly heavy onus” on drivers of large vehicles to ensure both careful and prudent driving, as well as the roadworthiness of their vehicle.
The judge noted that the vehicle trailer was fully loaded with alcohol, transforming it into “a lethal force” when control was lost.
“There is undoubtedly such a duty on every motorist, but the court considers it to be heightened in this case with reference to the vehicle and load in question.”
Addressing the family of Rian Sheridan, Judge Connolly expressed his condolences and affirmed that society had lost an exceptional young man.
“I have no doubt the loss of this fine young man has been shattering to those left behind,” he said.
“This loss can never be replaced and accordingly the adverse effects of this offending will be felt and endured life-long.”
The sentencing hearing revealed that Curran, who had a “fledgling business” with three trucks on the road (for which he was repaying loans), pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.
He alerted gardaí to dashcam footage from the truck and admitted to misusing the tachograph.
The court heard that he expressed remorse for his actions, and an apology was read, in which he accepted full responsibility for the events.
Judge Connolly acknowledged Curran’s “genuine remorse,” but refused to classify the event as an accident, citing the inevitability of a catastrophic outcome given Curran’s deliberate choices and decisions.
“This loss of life is something that will also remain with him for his lifetime, but his future actions may, perhaps lessen his burden. This, again, is his choice,” the judge stated.
Read the full report on www.rte.ie
Donegal trucker jailed for dangerous driving causing death of young Galway man was last modified: June 24th, 2025 by
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News Source : Donegal Daily
