Groomsman kills groom in horror car crash just hours before wedding

A young groomsman killed the groom in a car crash on the morning of his wedding day. Myles 'Miley' Harty, 20, was killed in the horrific crash on August 21, 2021 - just hours before he was due to tie the knot, a court heard.

Shane Harty, 21, was driving a silver Skoda hatchback with Myles in the front passenger seat and another man in the rear of the car when the tragic incident struck.

The vehicle was driving on the R518 road in Ireland at around 1am when it left the road and hit a pole, killing the groom instantly and injuring the other man, the Irish Mirror reports.

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Gardai [police] officers arrested Shane Harty, of Tola Park, Shannon, Co Clare, at the scene while the male rear-seat passenger was transferred by ambulance from the scene to University Hospital Limerick where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Myles Harty had been due to marry his sweetheart Kate Quilligan later that morning at St Munchin's Church in Limerick city. However in a tragic turn of events the heartbroken young bride-to-be went to the church with a large gathering of family and friends to mourn his death instead of celebrate their marriage.

The couple's favourite music and songs were played on speakers, and blue coloured heart-shaped balloons inscribed with 'King For A Day' in respect of Myles Harty's scheduled wedding, and others inscribed with '20', in reference to his age, were released from the crowd into the sky over the church.

Ms Quilligan posted a photograph on social media just hours before the crash of herself beside a message for Mr Harty, which read: "Can't believe I'm marrying my best friend in the whole world in the morning. See you at the altar babes. Husband and wife in the morning, our fairytale has finally come."

Following the tragic news of her husband-to-be's death Ms Quilligan wrote in a Facebook post: "Baby you knew I needed something to get me [through] the bad days and that's [why] you blessed me with our miracle baby I [k]new you wouldn't just leave me so you left me a part of you."

"I'm so happy that I will be able to hold onto a part of you for the rest of my life we have a love like no other and even death can't break that," she stated.

Ms Quilligan and Myles' parents were present in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court when Shane Harty pleaded guilty to one count of careless driving causing death.

The court heard Ms Quilligan and Mr Harty's parents will submit pre-sentencing victim impact statements which will be taken into account by the judge when considering Shane Harty's sentence.

Lily Buckley, prosecuting barrister, told the court it was a 'very tragic case' and confirmed that Myles 'was due to be married on the day'. Judge Colin Daly offered the 'sympathies of the court to all the family and friends of the deceased'.

Brian McInerney, senior defence barrister for Shane Harty, instructed by solicitor Michael O'Donnell, said there were 'certain sensitivities' associated with the case, and that Shane Harty was the deceased's groomsman.

Judge Daly remanded Shane Harty on continuing bail for sentencing at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, on Monday, November 18.