A man who captained his county to an All-Ireland minor title has avoided a driving disqualification after being detected driving at almost double the speed limit on a road outside Rathfriland.

The offence occurred when the driver was recorded travelling at nearly twice the permitted maximum in a heavily-tinted Audi A3. Police intercepted the vehicle on the outskirts of the County Down village.

At a subsequent court hearing, the defendant admitted the speeding charge. Instead of imposing a ban, the presiding judge suggested the motorist should consider swapping his Audi for a less powerful Skoda.

The exact speed and the specific stretch of road were not disclosed.

The All-Ireland minor championship is the top Gaelic games competition for under-18 county teams, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association.