Former Cork hurling goalkeeper and All-Star Anthony Nash found himself in a legal battle after being arrested at the scene of a car crash near Blarney. Nash admitted to a garda that he was drunk and even asked, 'Do you know who I am?' The incident took place after 9 pm in August 2023, but the drink-driving prosecution against him was ultimately dismissed at Cork District Court.

When the prosecution wrapped up its case, Nash's defense team, led by barrister Paula McCarthy and solicitor Eddie Burke, moved to have the case dismissed on two grounds. They argued that crucial evidence regarding the fact and time of driving was missing, which are essential elements for a successful drink-driving prosecution.

Judge O'Leary requested a detailed explanation about the time of driving, emphasizing the importance of proving that the driving occurred within three hours of alcohol testing by the gardaí. Following the defense's submission, Judge O'Leary ruled that there was insufficient evidence regarding the time of driving, leading to the dismissal of the case. Despite the suspicious circumstances, the judge highlighted that the court does not convict based on assumptions.

The charge against Nash involved an allegation of driving under the influence of alcohol on August 9, 2023, in Cloghroe, Blarney, County Cork. The summons stated that Nash had 236 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, well above the legal limit of 50 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood as per the Road Traffic Act 2010.

Nash, a 40-year-old from Barterswood, Tower, Blarney, County Cork, had a successful career as an inter-county hurler, earning two All-Star titles before retiring in 2020. Garda Byrne testified that she and her colleague responded to a call and found Nash's vehicle stuck in a ditch in Cloghroe. Despite not witnessing the accident, Garda Byrne noted the extensive damage to the vehicle and Nash's disheveled appearance upon exiting the car.

During the encounter, Nash identified himself to Garda Byrne, admitting that he was drunk and expressing concerns about his livelihood and work commitments. Despite Nash's admission, the defense highlighted the lack of formal statements or eyewitness accounts regarding the accident during the cross-examination.

At Gurranabraher garda station, Garda Brian Ramsey interacted with Nash, where a blood sample was taken at 10:01 pm. Nash disclosed that he had consumed a bottle of wine two hours prior to the incident. The dismissal of the case marked the end of a legal ordeal for the former hurling star.