A Galway man who was charged with speeding while taking part in a rally event in Waterford last summer recently appeared in court.
Desmond Lyons (57) of Windfield, Moylough, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at a recent sitting of Waterford District Court , charged with speeding, contrary to Section 47 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, relating to an incident where he was stopped by Gardaí while taking part in the Ravens Rock rally on 6 July, 2025.
The court heard that on that day, Gardaí were operating a checkpoint on the N25 Waterford City bypass, where they stopped the accused after he was found to be driving at a speed of 125km in a 100km area. Gardaí then issued a fixed charge penalty notice to the accused, which was unpaid, with a proof of postage certificate being presented to Judge Staunton.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Hilary Delahunty outlined that his client had made an effort to pay, but was unsuccessful. He said that the accused received a returned letter in the post, which the solicitor then presented to the court.
Mr Delahunty added that on that day, his client was going from one stage to another in the rally, and that there was no speedometer on his car. He said that there is “a certain amount of pressure” to get to the stages throughout the rally, and “you have to go as fast as you can” as a driver taking part.
He concluded by highlighting that it’s an event that is “good for Waterford” as people travel from all over the country to view it and take part, as well as noting that his client travelled all the way from Galway to attend court.
Noting what was said by Mr Delahunty, Judge Staunton decided to strike out the matter.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
