Mary Lowry has avoided prison and received a suspended sentence for her role in the death of Patrick Connolly. 

Ms Lowry came to public prominence when she gave evidence in the trial of Patrick Quirke for the murder of her boyfriend, Bobby Ryan or ‘Mr Moonlight’. 

Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show, journalist David Raleigh recalled what he had heard in court today.  

“[Ms Lowry] admitted driving a grey coloured Volkswagen Passat without due care or attention - thereby causing the death of a father of five, Patrick ‘Paddy’ Connolly,” he said. 

“The fatal collision occurred on the N24 Waterford to Limerick main road… in and around 12.45 on the afternoon of December 28th 2021.” 

The court heard Ms Lowry waited about two minutes to allow traffic to pass by the entrance to the road and, when she believed the coast was clear, she turned onto the N24. 

“The Passat collided with a motorcycle being driven by Paddy Connolly, who was carrying his 15-year-old son, David Connolly, as a pillion passenger,” Mr Raleigh said. 

‘If I could change it, I would'

Mr Connlly died from his injuries in hospital on January 2nd and his family gave an “emotional testimony” about the impact his death had had on them. 

“Ms Lowry wept in court herself as her barrister read on her behalf a letter of apology she had written to the Connolly family in which she apologised for not paying attention for her driving on the day,” Mr Raleigh said. 

“That letter read, ‘If I could change it, I would. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and that Patrick can rest in peace.’” 

Ms Lowry pled guilty to one count of driving causing Mr Connolly’s death and the judge decided against a custodial sentence. 

“Mary Lowry avoided prison but she has for the next two years hanging over her a one year suspended sentence and she’s also banned from driving for one year,” Mr Raleigh said.

Mr Connolly is survived by his wife and five children.

Main image: Mary Lowry. Picture by: RollingNews.ie