Former garda sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving following Fiosrú investigation
Former garda sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving following Fiosrú investigation
Issued: 15 June 2026
A former garda was today sentenced for dangerous driving causing death following an investigation by the Police Ombudsman, Fiosrú, into a fatal road traffic incident in Drogheda, Co Louth.
Michael Ball was given a combined sentence of seven years imprisonment with the last 12 months suspended and a 12 year driving ban after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Niall Mac Eneaney and failing to keep the vehicle at the scene on the Rathmullen Road on 17 March 2024.
Michael Ball was off duty and driving his personal vehicle prior to the fatal collision which occurred at 01.58a.m. Following a mandatory referral from An Garda Síochána, an independent criminal investigation was opened into the incident.
At the conclusion of Fiosrú’s investigation a file was sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which directed that Michael Ball be prosecuted for the following offences:
- 1 count of dangerous driving causing death contrary to section 53 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 as amended, and
- 1 count of breach of duties on occurrence of an accident contrary to section 106 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 as amended.
On 14 January 2026, Michael Ball pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and breach of duties on the occurrence of a road traffic accident.
His sentencing took place today in Dundalk Circuit Court.
Fiosrú’s Family Liaison Officer continues to liaise with Mr Mac Eneaney’s family and the Coroners Court in advance of a forthcoming inquest into his death.
Note to Editors
In line with its statutory remit, Fiosrú investigates all incidents referred to it by An Garda Síochána involving contact with gardaí where a member of the public has died or been seriously injured. Fiosrú’s on-call investigation teams, led by a Senior Investigating Officer, attend the scenes of deaths or serious injuries and preserve them for forensic examination. Fiosrú is responsible for liaising with the State Pathologist and the Coroner in such investigations. Fiosrú also routinely deploys a dedicated Family Liaison Officer to engage with and support the relatives of deceased persons.
Section 203(1) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 provides for the referral to Fiosrú of any matter concerning the death of, or serious harm to, a person.
‘The Garda Commissioner shall, subject to subsection (2), without delay, refer to the Police Ombudsman any matter that appears to the Garda Commissioner to indicate that the act or omission of a member of garda personnel may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person.’
A referral does not necessarily mean a garda or gardaí have been accused of wrongdoing. Instead, it means that the incident should be investigated independently by Fiosrú to ascertain whether or not the act or omission of a garda or gardaí may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person.
Under section 208(1), the Police Ombudsman shall appoint a designated officer to undertake an investigation where any matter is referred to the Police Ombudsman under section 203(1).
ENDS