A MAN who drove a tractor and trailer in a careless fashion causing “serious bodily harm” to the father of Ireland rugby legend Conor Murray was remanded on bail for sentence.
Seamus Hanrahan, 53, of Kilmore, Granagh, Co Limerick, admitted the offence before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.
Gerry Murray, 70, Patrickswell, Co Limerick, was cycling along the N20 when he was struck by Mr Hanrahan driving the agricultural vehicle, on February 7, 2023.
Mr Murray, married to former Irish international squash player, Barbara Murray, suffered a brain bleed following the collision and was placed in an induced coma by doctors to try to bring him back from the brink.
Mr Murray was placed in intensive care at Cork University Hospital.
He has since been discharged from the hospital but continues to suffer a number of ongoing medical issues arising out of his injuries.
Lily Buckley, prosecuting barrister, said Mr Hanrahan made an “early plea” in the case, and that he “was looking for time to make (personal) arrangements” ahead of his sentencing date.
Mr Hanrahan has pleaded guilty to one count of careless driving causing serious bodily harm, at Attyflin, Patrickswell, while he was driving a DAF x2 tractor unit, which was coupled to a tanker semi-trailer, without due care and attention.
Mr Hanrahan’s barrister, Amy Nix, said she was “awaiting a psychological report” in respect of the defendant, and they were waiting for a date for sentencing hearing.
Judge Colin Daly remanded Mr Hanrahan on bail for sentence on April 7.
Speaking after his discharge from hospital, Mr Murray, whose son Conor lines out for Munster and Ireland, revealed he had to learn how to walk again through a gruelling physiotherapy programme.
He said that he still suffered with painful “nerve damage” in his right hand as well as poor mobility, and “permanent” deafness in his left ear.
‘LONG ROAD AHEAD’
Mr Murray said: “The doctors told me that I’m looking at a minimum of a year to recover from that type of a head injury, I have a long road ahead of me.”