Driver Jailed For Worst Crash In Irish History

Shaun Kelly, from Co Donegal, suffered a brain injury in the crash

Shaun Kelly killed eight people - including seven of his best friends - in a "horrific" car crash after the 2010 World Cup final.

A motorist who killed seven close friends and a pensioner in a devastating car crash has been jailed - despite pleas from bereaved families for him to be spared from prison.

Shaun Kelly caused the most deadly collision in Ireland's history after watching the World Cup final in 2010.
The 26-year-old was behind the wheel, with the seven friends and relatives also packed into the vehicle, when the "horrific" tragedy happened.

The community has remained united in its support for the Kelly family

Despite also having a previous conviction for dangerous driving after a near-miss with a police car in 2007, Kelly is likely to serve only two years behind bars.
In Letterkenny Circuit Court, four of the victims' families told the judge that they "didn't believe a prison sentence is needed", as "enough lives have been ruined in this accident".
His Volkswagen Passat, which had been seen speeding away from a pub, veered into the path of a woman's car in Co Donegal on the night of the accident.
Kelly was unable to avert a collision and the back of his car smashed into that of Anne McGilloway - with the impact ripping off a front wheel on her car.

The former lorry driver was convicted of dangerous driving before the crash

That caused Ms McGilloway's car to spin uncontrollably into an oncoming Toyota belonging to Hugh Friel, a 66-year-old man who died instantly.
Kelly's car ploughed into a ditch and smashed into a telegraph pole. He suffered a brain injury in the crash, with all of his friends - aged between 19 and 23 - declared dead at the scene. None of them had been wearing seatbelts.
Eamon Sweeney, the father of a teenage boy killed in the accident, said his son Ciaran also needed to take some responsibility for the tragedy.
"It's very unfortunate that Shaun has been left to accept all the blame," he said. "We wish that Shaun is given a chance in life. He needs all the help and support he can get, not punishment."
Kelly, a former lorry driver, had spent two years denying dangerous driving, but entered a guilty plea in July.
His father, Liam, apologised for the whole family to those who were bereaved - as Kelly is incapable of doing so properly.
"They are very honest and decent people and we are very sorry for what has happened to them," he said during sentencing.
"Despite their loss, they have given us all great comfort and support."
But other relatives have reacted angrily, saying they have been given a life sentence and felt hatred and resentment.
In all, Kelly was handed a four-year sentence, with the final two years suspended. He was also disqualified from driving for 10 years.