THE SOLE survivor of a crash in Co Donegal in which eight men lost their lives was yesterday charged with dangerous driving causing their deaths.
Shaun Kelly (23), was arrested at 7.50am at his home at Hill Road, Ballymagan, Buncrana, and conveyed to the local Garda station.
He was charged with dangerous driving causing the deaths of Hugh Friel (66), of Urris, Clonmany; Mark McLaughlin (21), of Ballinahone, Fahan; Paul Doherty (19), of Ardagh, Ballyliffin; Ciaran Sweeney (19), of Ballyliffin; PJ McLaughlin (21), of Rockstown, Burnfoot; James McEleney (23), of Minaduff, Clonmany; Eamon McDaid (22), of Ballymagan, Buncrana; and Damien McLaughlin (21), of Umricam, Buncrana.
The incident happened on July 11th, 2010, at Meenaduff, Clonmany, as Mr Friel drove home alone in his Toyota Corolla, from the parish bingo in Buncrana.
The seven friends who died in the crash were allegedly all travelling in Mr Kelly’s black VW Passat.
The accused, who celebrates his 23rd birthday today, appeared yesterday at Buncrana District Court where Garda Sgt Carol Doherty gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.
Judge Paul Kelly granted the defendant bail on his own bond of €500 and an independent surety of €5,000 from his mother, Pauline Kelly.
He will appear again at Buncrana District Court on Thursday, December 8th.