A young groom-to-be was tragically killed in a car crash on his wedding day, just hours before he was due to marry his pregnant fiancée.
Myles 'Miley' Harty, 20, died instantly when the silver Skoda hatchback he was travelling in left the road and hit a pole near Rathkeale, County Limerick, on August 21, 2021.
The vehicle was driven by his groomsman and first cousin, Shane Harty, 21, who has since pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death.
The incident occurred around 1am on the R518 Askeaton to Rathkeale Road, with another man in the rear of the car sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
Kate Quilligan, Myles Harty's fiancée, had been eagerly anticipating their "fairytale" wedding at St Munchin's Church in Limerick.
Just hours before the tragedy, Quilligan posted on social media: "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."
However, instead of celebrating their union, the heartbroken bride-to-be gathered with family and friends at the church to mourn Myles' death.
The couple's favourite music played as blue heart-shaped balloons inscribed with "King For A Day" and "20" were released into the sky.
Quilligan later wrote: "Baby you knew I needed something to get me [through] the bad days and that's [why] you blessed me with our miracle baby."
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Quilligan and Myles Harty’s parents were present in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court when Shane Harty pleaded guilty in the case.
The court heard Quilligan and Harty’s parents are to be canvassed for 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 Harty "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".
Senior defence barrister for Shane Harty, Brian McInerney, 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.
In a heartfelt tribute to her late fiancé, Quilligan posted on social media: "I love you forever, it will always be me and you, no matter what. Love you unconditionally my gentle giant. You didn't deserve this my handsome baby boy."
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