Dangerous Driving Charges Against Former Cork Hurler Anthony Nash Dismissed

 Cashel, Co Tipperary ormer Cork senior hurling goalkeeper and All-Star athlete Anthony Nash has been cleared of two charges of dangerous driving following a ruling at Cashel District Court. Judge Brian O’Shea dismissed both charges on Thursday after determining that the prosecution had failed to establish key elements required by law.

The allegations, which stemmed from incidents that were said to have occurred in Cahir, Co Tipperary on May 30, 2024, involved two counts of dangerous driving—one on Old Church Street, Townparks, and another elsewhere in the Townparks area. Mr. Nash, 41, of Barters Wood, Tower, Blarney, Co Cork, did not address the court during the proceedings.

In his ruling, Judge O’Shea cited two critical deficiencies in the State's case: firstly, the failure to specify which alleged offence corresponded to which location in the summons, and secondly, the lack of evidence to prove that either of the locations qualified as public places under the legal definition. “I have to decide the case based on evidence,” Judge O’Shea said. “Charges are dismissed.”

The case was based on an incident reported to Gardaí by a female motorist who claimed a vehicle had made a sudden U-turn and nearly collided with her car. Garda Gavin Browne, who was stationed at Cahir Garda Station at the time, testified that the woman identified a nearby Skoda Octavia and pointed out the individual she alleged was involved. Garda Browne recounted attempting to stop the vehicle by stepping onto the road and signaling the driver to halt.

“I raised my right hand and indicated for him to stop,” Browne testified. “I could see the car going faster. I felt the car was not going to stop. I shouted ‘Stop, stop, stop’.” He added that the driver gave a thumbs-up gesture before accelerating, and that the car’s wing mirror struck him on the wrist as he moved out of the way.

Garda Judy Davern, who accompanied Garda Browne, corroborated his account. She stated that the vehicle appeared unlikely to stop, and the driver again gave a thumbs-up before driving off at speed into Cahir town centre.

Later, Sergeant Shane O’Neill told the court that Mr Nash voluntarily presented himself to Gardaí on June 5, 2024, and provided a written statement. In it, Mr Nash acknowledged a collision and admitted removing his number plate and leaving the scene in a state of panic. He said he was unaware that the incident involved a Garda officer and expressed regret, citing mental stress, anxiety, and the use of prescribed medication on the day in question.

“If I knew it was a Garda, I would have stopped immediately,” Nash stated. “I am deeply stressed, full of anxiety. I should have stopped. I would never drive at someone.”

Mr Nash also confirmed that he had not consumed alcohol at the time of the incident.

The hearing, which lasted approximately one hour, concluded with Judge O’Shea’s ruling in favour of the defence, represented by barrister David Staunton BL.

Anthony Nash retired from intercounty hurling in 2020, capping off a distinguished 15-year career. He represented Cork in the 2013 All-Ireland final against Clare and won four Munster titles. Nash was twice named an All-Star and is widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation.