A woman who plead guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of her friend, Sheila Dunne, has been given a four-year sentence.
46-year-old Jennifer Thomas of Oakfield View, Glanmire, county Cork consumed 12 alcoholic drinks over the course of the day of the crash, February 11th 2024.
Ms Thomas fell asleep twice behind the wheel and narrowly missed hitting two pedestrians.
50-year-old Sheila Dunne died two days after the crash near her home in Glanmire.
Ms Dunne's 23-year-old daughter said she carries a "life sentence of love, loss and shattered lives".
Lilley Dunne spoke outside Cork Circuit Criminal Court, after Ms Thomas' sentencing.
"What happened to my mom was senseless and preventable, and it haunts me every day," she said.
"We hope this sends a powerful message.
"Actions have consequences.
"If our story can stop another family from suffering this kind of heartbreak, maybe it will have meant something."
The 23-year-old said drink driving "is a choice, a choice that ruins lives".
Anglesea Street Courthouse, Cork City. Credit; David Creedon / Alamy Live News
