A WOMAN who drove her car into a ditch while intoxicated has received a three-year disqualification.

Gene Crowley, (26), of Keelnameela, Ahiohill, Enniskeane, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Clonakilty District Court.

Gardaí received a report  on July 8th  last at 7.30pm of a single vehicle collision in Clonakilty, and found a silver Kia crashed in a ditch. Gardaí opened the driver’s door and helped Ms Crowley out of the car. The accused was taken to Clonakilty Garda station where a blood sample was taken. The results showed Ms Crowley was over the legal alcohol limit. The court heard that Ms Crowley had no previous convictions and had brought with her a letter from an addiction treatment centre she attended in Waterford.

Defence solicitor Conrad Murphy said his client had worked in real estate and then encountered serious alcohol problems. She was now involved in an aftercare programme and had not had a drink since July 2025.

‘She apologises to gardaí for wasting their time,’ Mr Murphy said.

‘Fortunately for her it was a single vehicle collision and no other vehicles were involved,’ said Judge Carroll. ‘She has gone off alcohol since that time so that is a very significant step she has taken.’

Judge Carroll imposed a three-year driving ban, noting this would have serious consequences professionally and socially.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.