THE widow of George Campbell made an emotional plea to young drivers to slow down and consider the impact of their actions behind the wheel.

' Young drivers should think about the consequences of the speed they are doing and the tragedies they are leaving behind. It is unreal. It never ends,' said Marie Campbell as she welcomed the conviction.

Also speaking after the dramatic verdict yesterday ( Tuesday) George Campbell's daughter Laura said it was a 'right and just verdict.'

She said there was a sense of closure when the case was brought to an end after nearly three years.

'It is a relief now that it is over, and that we don't have it hanging over us. It had been put back so many times, I'm just glad its over.'

Verlaine Keenan, mother of David Keenan pointed out that her son had just celebrated his 17th birthday the week before the accident.

She said the verdict was the right one, and was happy to see a conviction in the case.

John Keenan, grandfather of the 17year-old added that the sentence was 'not heavy enough' for the actions of Daniel O'Riordan which caused the deaths of two people.

The court had heard O'Riordan described as a 'disturbed and troubled young man' who was from a family of 11, where many of the children had been in trouble.

Judge Matt Deery sentenced O'Riordan to five years in prison, and banned him from driving for 15 years.

- Olivia RYAN