In a dramatic turnaround by the Director of Public Prosecution, former Ireland rugby star Eddie Halvey is to face a charge of dangerous driving causing death following the collision which killed Bruff teenager Kevin Walsh.

In January, the DPP decided to withdraw a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of the 16-year-old against Eddie Halvey, and the Walsh family had anticipated the charge would be formally withdrawn at Nenagh Circuit Court in March.

However, at the hearing in March, an adjournment was requested in the case, as the DPP, the court was told, was considering further information which had come to light.

Eddie Halvey

It has emerged last Monday that the DPP will now proceed with the prosecution against Mr Halvey at this Tuesday's sitting of Nenagh Circuit Court. It is believed that the decision was made after the DPP's office studied the further information which had emerged.

The fatal crash happened near the village of Toomevara, County Tipperary on April 1, 2006 on the busy N7 route.

No explanation was given by the DPP's office to the Walsh family earlier this year as to the why the charge was to be dropped, however, more than 20,000 people signed a petition urging the State office to reverse it.