BREAKING: Kildare lorry driver in fatal road accident involving a cyclist 'was blinded by the sun'

The driver of a lorry tractor unit who collided with a cyclist causing his death was blinded by sunlight, Naas Circuit Court was told today.

Douglas Ryder, 28, whose address was given as The Haven, Gilltown, Donadea, has admitted careless driving causing death at Firmount East on August 20, 2022.

The accident resulted in the death of Naas resident Michael Fleming, who lived in the town for more than 30 years.

The court heard that Mr Fleming, aged 63, set out for a cycle early that day from his home and the accident occurred soon after 8am.

The defendant was driving a lorry tractor unit and was going in the same direction as the cyclist, near Clane.

Michael Fleming

Mr Fleming, the court heard, was struck from behind  and the accident took place between Firmount Cross and Millicent Cross.

Detective Garda Christine Brady said the defendant is a truck driver and the accident occurred at 8.13 when the truck collided with the rear wheel of Mr Fleming’s racing bike, a Trek model which is used in events like the Tour De France. The back wheel came off the bike.

Det Gda Brady said an analysis of the lorry’s tachograph indicated it was travelling at 91 km/h for at least a minute and there was a breach of the rule governing rest periods for drivers.

Det Gda Brady told prosecuting barrister Seoirse Ó Dúnlaing that Mr Fleming was knocked into a ditch. Weather conditions were bright and dry.

The defendant stopped as did some other people and two gardaí, Niall O’Toole and Kevin O’Sullivan rendered first aid before paramedics and a doctor, who was working voluntarily, arrived at the scene. Mr Fleming was pronounced dead.

The court heard that both the Volvo vehicle and the bicycle were in good condition.

Mr Fleming died from multiple traumatic injuries and the road had an 80 km/h speed limit.

Three calls were made to the emergency services including one by the defendant and another by his father.

A person at the scene said the defendant indicated he had hit a cyclist and the sun was in his eyes.

Ann Fleming addressed the court to thank all who had assisted at the scene and since the accident and she said the gardaí were a constant source of support.

Ms Fleming described Michael or Mick or Mike as he was also known, as her soulmate and the accident occurred 22 days shy of their 30th wedding anniversary.

Two of their children were abroad at the time and “our lives were changed and grief engulfed us.”

The case was adjourned.