'We never got any support from Heather Humphreys' O'Farrell family. The mother of Shane O’Farrell believes her family were failed by Heather Humphreys over the years; while she was elected to the Dail.
Shane was killed while cycling on the N2 near Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan. Indeed, his family received a State apology earlier this year regarding the authorities’ handling of the case.
Zigimantas Gridziuska, a Lithuanian man, was out on bail when he ran into Shane’s bicycle; and left him on the side of the road. Moreover, the Garda drugs squad stopped him an hour before the fatal collision.
He had 42 previous convictions for crimes including road-traffic offences, theft and heroin possession.
Lucia O’Farrell has been reacting to the debate on RTE's Week in politics with Aine Lawlor that took place yesterday. Furthermore, she has been speaking to Ronan Gargan about what she says has been a lack of support from Ms Humphreys.
Heather Humphreys issued Northern Sound with the following statement:
“As a mother I am heartbroken at the death of Shane O’Farrell and I have nothing but admiration for Lucia and her family for the manner in which they have fought for justice. I spoke to Lucia during that journey, I made representations, I did my best and I am sorry if Lucia feels I didn’t do enough. As the minister for justice for a period in which an independent review was ongoing I could not interfer. Like everyone in Monaghan I was extremely relieved to see the family receive their state apology and that was the sentiment I was expressing on Sunday when asked on RTE.”
