Parents of woman killed in crash involving new FAI boss Noel Mooney still 'gobsmacked' by case outcome 18 years later | The Irish Sun

Parents of woman killed in crash involving new FAI boss Noel Mooney still 'gobsmacked' by case outcome 18 years later | The Irish Sun: tted falling asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle, which then hit 24-year-old June Daly's car in 2001. She died in hospital days later. 'NO JUSTICE' Parents of woman killed in crash involving new FAI boss Noel Mooney still ‘gobsmacked’ by case outcome 18 years later The former goalkeeper admitted falling asleep behind the wheel, which then hit June Daly's car, who died in hospital days later at the age of 24 Gary Meneely Published: 7:40, 24 May 2019Updated: 7:53, 24 May 2019 Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) THE parents of a woman killed in a crash involving new FAI boss Noel Mooney are still "gobsmacked" by the case's outcome 18 years on. The former goalkeeper admitted falling asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle, which then hit 24-year-old June Daly's car in 2001. She died in hospital days later. New FAI boss Noel Mooney 4 New FAI boss Noel MooneyCredit: Sportsfile - Subscription June Daly who died following a car crash in 2001 4 June Daly who died following a car crash in 2001 June's heartbroken family were furious that the DPP dropped a more serious charge against Limerick man Mooney, who was recently appointed to the Association's board on a temporary basis. He had been due to go on trial charged with dangerous driving causing June's death, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of careless driving. The Daly family had expected a full trial but broke down in court when the DPP's decision was published. They said: "There was nobody to speak up for our June." Speaking to the Irish Sun yesterday, parents John and Marion told of the family's anguish at Mooney being fined just €444, a decision that still haunts them to this day. 'GOBSMACKED' Marion said: "The only thing we can say is that we were absolutely gobsmacked at the outcome. "Four hundred and forty four euro? I have absolutely no idea." The mum recalled: "He was originally charged with dangerous driving causing death. He said he had fallen asleep at the wheel." The former goalie with Limerick, Cork City and Shamrock Rovers is on a six-month secondment to the FAI from Uefa, where he is General Manager for Football Services and Partnerships. It effectively means Mooney will assume the responsibility of steering the Irish Association through its current crisis. 'BEAUTIFUL GIRL' After facing nearly two decades without her beloved daughter, Marion still struggles to come to terms with the death and had no idea Mooney had gone on to a glittering career in football administration. She said: "I wasn't aware of it and I don't know what to say. "It's not going to bring June back . . . it is not going to change anything as far as I'm concerned, it is not going to change anything." Speaking from the family home in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, she continued: "I really don't know how I feel. I just don't know what to think, I don't want to think about it." Marion paid an emotional tribute to June, who died aged just 24, saying: "She was a beautiful girl." 'NO JUSTICE' June's dad John also told the Irish Sun he "wasn't aware" of Mooney's appointment to the Association's hot seat. The couple, who have two sons, were left reeling at the outcome of the court case over June's death. John said at the time: "The sentence he received is just crazy. There was no justice for June." Marian said: "There was nobody to speak up for our June." Friends of the family pointed out how the fine imposed on Mooney represented less than €20 for each year of June's life. DPP DECISION Solicitor Michael Joyce also spoke of their heartbreak at the DPP's decision at the time. He blasted: "They are looking for answers on why the DPP decided to reduce the charge. They came down expecting a full case before judge and jury. "June's parents were shocked when they found out the DPP decided to reduce the charge. Now they want answers." Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard Mooney, formerly of Cappamore, Co Limerick, was on his way to a training session at the time of the horror accident in September 2001. Mooney had said at the time: "I cannot recall the exact impact of the collision. It led me to believe that I nodded off. I still don't recall what happened." 'FLASHBACKS' He also apologised to the Daly family and admitted people's lives had been changed forever. He said: "We are all losers, the Daly family and the Mooney family. "It's changed all our lives. I can't imagine what it must be like. I hope they accept I would do anything to change what happened." He added: "Sometimes I think maybe she should be here and I should not but she isn't here. I would do anything to change what happened. "Sometimes I get flashbacks. I see bright lights but I do not know exactly what happened, which makes me think I must have fallen asleep." Sentencing, Judge Sean O Donnobhain said: "This is a difficult case for all the people involved. Nothing will make up for the loss the family have suffered. "My heart on a human level goes out to the parents of the deceased girl.