Longford man who ‘felt fine to drive’ still had drugs in system when stopped at checkpoint

A Longford motorist, who took drugs while watching a boxing fight and was subsequently detected by Gardaí with the substance in his system, has received a one year driving ban.

Nicholas McDonagh (47) of 21 Annaly Park pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the offence.

Sergeant Enda Daly said Gardaí were carrying out a checkpoint at Annaly Park on October 30, 2023 when they stopped the defendant driving a Peugeot 308 at 11.55am.

The officer stopped the vehicle and spoke to the driver and McDonagh was requested to undergo an oral fluid swab test which was positive for drugs.

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He was arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station where a blood sample was provided and it exceeded the drug-driving limit.

The defendant had 22 previous convictions.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said his client, a married father of four, had been watching a boxing fight and he stayed up very late a few days previously when he consumed the drugs.

"It's just one of those situations where it's still in the system but he certainly felt fine to drive.

"It's unfortunate for him because he is the only one in the house that knows how to drive.

"Three of his children are under 18, and one of them is autistic.

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"He will only travel by car at separate hospital appointments.

"It will have an impact on his family, there's no doubt about that.

Mr Quinn said his client, who is currently unemployed, accepts that there naturally will be consequences to it.

The legal representative stated Mr McDonagh's wife, Christina is presently learning how to drive and he is seeking a driving ban postponement to 'further' her driving.

"I think overall he's engaged quite well with the process," he added.

Judge Bernadette Owens stated the case was "coming down the tracks" for almost two years and the defendant had time to get his affairs in order.

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However, Mr Quinn said "something crystallised in him" recently.

Judge Owens decided to convict Mr McDonagh and she imposed a €400 fine with nine months to pay.

She disqualified him for one year and she agreed to postpone the driving ban until November 14 next.