By Ronan Judge

A 74-year-old man accused of careless driving causing the death of a young motorcyclist in Oranmore earlier this year replied “not guilty” when the charge was put to him, a court has heard.

Randall McNally, with an address at The Sheds, Knocknagrogh, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, appeared at Galway District Court and was remanded on bail to appear again on January 28, 2026.

McNally is charged with driving a vehicle without due care or attention thereby causing the death of Patrick De la Ruelle, on April 4 at Tonroe, Oranmore.

Patrick De la Ruelle (29), a keen motorcyclist from Kinvara, died after his motorbike was involved in a collision on the N67.

Garda Philip Staunton told the court he met Randall McNally by arrangement at Galway Courthouse and when the charge was put to him under caution, the accused replied, “not guilty”.

Gda Staunton said there was no objection to bail subject to the accused’s own bond of €200.

Sergeant Joanne McGhee said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed summary disposal of the case in the District Court on a plea of guilty only.

Solicitor Olivia Traynor told the court she was acting as agent in the case for Haughton McCarroll solicitors, and she had been instructed to apply for legal aid as the accused was receipt of a pension.

There was no State objection to legal aid and Judge Catherine Ryan granted the application in the name of solicitor, Dermot Hickey.

Randall McNally was remanded on bail to appear again on January 28, 26.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.