The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to proceed with a case against former Irish rugby international Eddie Halvey, who was due to face trial next month in connection with the death of a 16-year-old Co Limerick youth killed in a road traffic incident.
Mr Halvey (36) was charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Kevin Walsh on the N7 near Toomevara, Co Tipperary, on April 1st, 2006.
In May of last year, Mr Halvey's defence team indicated to Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court that he would be contesting the charge.
The case, which was later adjourned on several occasions, was due to be heard on March 4th at the Circuit Criminal Court in Nenagh.
Mr Halvey, of Allendale Hall, South Circular Road, Limerick, is still before Nenagh District Court on a charge of driving with excess alcohol in his system at Coole, Toomevara, on the date of the fatal incident.
Yesterday, a spokesman for Kevin Walsh's family confirmed that they were told earlier this week of the DPP's decision not to proceed with the more serious charge.
The family member also said that Kevin's mother Kate Walsh had sent a letter to the DPP asking for the decision to be reconsidered.
Mrs Walsh, he said, was informed last Monday by gardaí at Bruff Garda station.
The DPP is not required to give any reason for the decision.
An only son, Kevin Walsh from Bruff in Co Limerick, died when a 4x4 vehicle collided with the car in which he was a back-seat passenger.
