Court archive
Court reports mentioning Pallasgreen, Limerick
2020-11-09 · Limerick
Two Limerick men, Dylan Hayes (25) and Gerard Hogan (37), were found guilty of murdering Shane Murphy at a house‑party in Pallasgreen on 30 April 2015. The jury convicted them of murder after evidence showed Hayes stabbed Murphy repeatedly with a knife, while Hogan allegedly assisted by attacking with a screwdriver and encouraging Hayes. The trial judge imposed a mandatory life sentence on both. In May 2024 the Court of Appeal dismissed appeals by both men. The appellate panel found no error in the trial judge's instructions on provocation or on joint enterprise, and concluded there was no evidence that Hogan had withdrawn from the attack. The appeals were therefore rejected, leaving the convictions and life sentences intact.
2020-05-21 · Limerick
In a Court of Appeal hearing, Dylan Hayes (25) and Ger Hogan (37) appealed convictions for the murder of Shane Murphy at a house‑party in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick. The appeal argued that the prosecution failed to prove joint enterprise and that the provocation defence was inadequately instructed. Hayes claimed he was provoked after a confrontation over alleged drug use, then stabbed Murphy with a knife, causing a heart wound and other injuries. Hogan was alleged to have participated in the attack, with witnesses stating he stabbed Murphy with a screwdriver, though the pathologist found only knife wounds. The DPP maintained that witnesses implicated both men in a common design, and that no evidence showed Hogan withdrew. The Court of Appeal reserved judgment, noting the complexity of the appeals and the need for further consideration. Dylan Hayes was found guilty. Ger Hogan was found guilty.
2020-05-19 · Limerick
Two men, Dylan Hayes (25) and Ger Hogan (37), were convicted of murdering Shane Murphy at a house party in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, on 30 April 2015. The Central Criminal Court jury found them guilty and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy imposed a mandatory life sentence on each in May 2017. Hayes claimed he stabbed Murphy after a confrontation over alleged drug use, while Hogan was alleged to have participated in a joint enterprise, attacking Murphy with a screwdriver and encouraging Hayes. The trial judge's charge on provocation was challenged by Hayes' counsel, who argued the jury was not properly instructed on the subjective element of the test. Hogan's counsel contested the use of words and acts attributed to Hogan, noting the pathologist's testimony that fatal wounds were caused by a knife, not a screwdriver. The Court of Appeal adjourned the appeal hearing to Thursday morning due to poor audio‑video link quality.
2019-12-10 · Limerick
Alan Freeman, aged 38, was convicted of violently breaking into the Garvey family home in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, on 16 April 2012, where he and two other men used a sawn‑off shotgun, a sledgehammer and a baseball bat. The gang restrained the occupants, threatened Gerard Garvey and his 14‑year‑old daughter, and took cash before fleeing. Freeman, along with Patrick Roche (54) and Philip Roche (25), was also found guilty of a separate burglary at the Creed home. Judge John Hannan sentenced Freeman to 14 years, with the final three years suspended. On 10 December 2019 the Court of Appeal quashed Freeman's conviction and ordered a retrial, while the convictions of the Roche men were upheld. The appeal was based on the Court's view that evidence linking Freeman to an alleged burglary at another home should have led to a separate trial, as the evidence was deemed insufficient and potentially prejudicial.
2019-05-09 · Dublin
Three men—Patrick Roche (54), his son Philip Roche (25), and son‑in‑law Alan Freeman (38)—have lodged appeals against convictions for violent burglaries committed in rural County Limerick seven years ago. The convictions, obtained at the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, stem from two separate incidents. In May 2012, the Roches broke into the isolated home of elderly siblings Willie, Nora, and Chrissie Creed near Pallasgreen, tied them up, assaulted them, and stole €5,000. Six weeks earlier, the trio had broken into the Garvey family home, tied up Mr and Mrs Garvey and their four children, threatened Mr Garvey with a gun, and fled with cash. Patrick Roche received a 17‑year sentence, Philip 15 years, and Freeman 14 years, each with a three‑year suspended portion. The appeals cite alleged errors in jury instructions, the legality of the arrests and detentions, and the admissibility of evidence. The case will be heard tomorrow by the Court of Appeal.
2017-05-16 · Limerick
During a murder trial in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, a jury was informed by Judge Patrick McCarthy that they could convict the accused, Ger Hogan (34) and Dylan Hayes (22), of manslaughter if they did not intend to kill or cause serious injury. The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Shane Murphy, who died with 23 stab wounds, including one that pierced his heart, on 30 April 2015. The prosecution argued that the men acted together with intent to kill or seriously injure. The jury, after more than two hours of deliberation, asked whether a lesser verdict than manslaughter existed and whether the pathologist's report could be examined. The judge clarified that the only available verdicts were murder, manslaughter, or not guilty, and that manslaughter could be applied if the accused intended only to cause injury. The jury paused its deliberations at 4:23 pm and will resume tomorrow morning.
2017-05-16 · Limerick
In a Limerick murder trial, a jury has begun deliberating on the case of Ger Hogan, 34, and Dylan Hayes, 22, who are accused of killing Shane Murphy at a house party on 30 April 2015. The defendants pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges they acted together with intent to kill or seriously injure. Justice Patrick McCarthy explained that each accused could be found guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. After more than two hours of discussion, the jury of five women and seven men will return with their verdicts this afternoon.
2017-05-15 · Limerick
A jury will start deliberating on Tuesday over the murder trial of Ger Hogan, 34, and Dylan Hayes, 22, who are accused of killing Shane Murphy at his girlfriend's home in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, on 30 April 2015. The prosecution alleges the two men acted together with intent to kill or seriously injure Mr. Murphy, who died after receiving 23 stab wounds, including one that pierced his heart. Justice Patrick McCarthy explained that the jury must consider each accused separately, with three possible verdicts for each: guilty if intent is proven beyond reasonable doubt; manslaughter if provocation is accepted; or not guilty if intent is not established. He advised the jury to assess provocation based on the individual's personality and circumstances, noting that alcohol is not a defence but may be a factor in state of mind. The judge has finished his charge to the jury.
2017-05-12 · Limerick
In a Central Criminal Court trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Ger Hogan (34) and Dylan Hayes (22) stabbed Shane Murphy (26) 23 times at his girlfriend's house in Pallasgreen on 30 April 2015. Witnesses, including Sharon Kelly, the deceased's partner, testified that both men attacked Murphy, with Hogan striking him with an ash tray and the pair later stabbing him again while Kelly tried to protect her boyfriend. Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan described 23 stab wounds and numerous bruises, indicating a frenzied assault. Prosecutor Paul Burns argued the evidence proved guilt, while defense counsel for Hayes, Mark Nicholas, claimed he admitted the killing but should be found guilty of manslaughter due to loss of self‑control, citing provocation and Hayes's background. Defense counsel for Hogan, Michael Bowman, challenged the reliability of Kelly's testimony and the scientific evidence linking Hogan to the wounds, urging an acquittal. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty.
2017-05-11 · Limerick
In the Limerick murder trial, a jury will hear closing speeches tomorrow after Justice Patrick McCarthy announced a legal matter to be considered overnight. He explained that the evidence phase for Ger Hogan (34) and Dylan Hayes (22) is complete, and the next step is the defence and prosecution to present their closing arguments. The men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Shane Murphy, who was stabbed 23 times, including a heart wound, at The Grove, Pallasgreen, on 30 April 2015. The trial is held at the Central Criminal Court.
2017-05-10 · Limerick
The murder trial of Ger Hogan and Dylan Hayes, who are accused of killing Shane Murphy at The Grove, Pallasgreen, Co Limerick on April 30, 2015, continues at the Central Criminal Court. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charge. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that Murphy died from a knife wound to the heart during a "violent and frenzied" attack, which also caused 22 other stab wounds and injuries to his lungs, throat, and liver. She noted that 22 wounds were caused by a single-edged knife, while one was likely caused by a knife or screwdriver tip. The court heard that gardai found a blood-stained screwdriver at the scene containing the blood of both the deceased and Hogan. In interviews, Hayes allegedly admitted to stabbing Murphy after a dispute, while Hogan claimed he tried to break up a fight and received a cut on his hand while pulling a knife from someone. The trial is ongoing before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
2017-05-10 · Limerick
The trial of Dylan Hayes and Ger Hogan, who are accused of the murder of Shane Murphy at The Grove, Pallasgreen, Co Limerick, on April 30, 2015, continued at the Central Criminal Court. Both defendants, aged 22 and 34 respectively, have pleaded not guilty to the charge. Detective Garda John O'Connell testified that Mr Hayes was interviewed eight times at Henry Street Garda Station. During the seventh interview, Mr Hayes allegedly stated that he stabbed Mr Murphy in the chest and stomach after a dispute in which Mr Murphy allegedly called him a "junkie" and accused him of "goofing off." Mr Hayes indicated to gardai where he claimed to have stabbed the deceased, stating, "I stabbed him there and there," while later asserting, "I didn't kill him." The court heard these allegations as part of the ongoing proceedings. The matter is currently before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of five women and seven men. The trial continues this afternoon.
2017-05-09 · Limerick
During a Central Criminal Court hearing on 9 May 2017, Dylan Hayes, aged 22, admitted to stabbing Shane Murphy but denied killing him. Hayes, from The Crescent, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle, Co. Limerick, and co‑accused Ger Hogan, 34, of Raheen Square, Ballinacurra Weston, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Murphy at The Grove, Pallasgreen, on 30 April 2015. Hayes first denied any role in the fight that led to Murphy's death, but in a third interview he said, "I stabbed him lads. I'm sorry. Everything I told you is lies." He claimed to have stabbed Murphy three times—twice in the arm and once in the upper leg—before being stopped by Jodie Byrnes. Hayes said Murphy was still alive when he left, that Murphy had hit him back, and that he feared a life sentence for an act he did not commit.
2017-05-08 · Limerick
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, forensic scientist Sandra McGrath presented DNA evidence linking the deceased, Shane Murphy, and one of the accused, Ger Hogan, to a screwdriver found at the murder scene. The screwdriver, a standard Phillips head with a black and yellow handle, bore blood stains on its tip, along its length, and on the handle. McGrath's DNA profiles matched both Hogan and Murphy, with a one‑in‑a‑billion chance of the samples originating from an unknown person. Additional blood stains from a serrated steak knife and from Dylan Hayes's coat and trousers also matched Murphy's DNA. CCTV footage showed Hogan visiting a local Centra on the day before the murder, purchasing alcohol, and returning the next day. The trial, with a jury of five women and seven men, continued under Justice Patrick McCarthy. Ger Hogan pleaded not guilty. Dylan Hayes pleaded not guilty.
2017-05-05 · Limerick
In the trial of Dylan Hayes (22) and Ger Hogan (33) for the murder of 26‑year‑old Shane Murphy, former partner Jodie Byrnes testified that she witnessed Hayes stab Murphy during a fight at Sharon Kelly's house in Pallasgreen. Byrnes, who had ended her relationship with Hayes in October 2014, was in bed the night before Murphy's death when she was awakened by a man who had removed her clothing. She described seeing Hayes, visibly angry, with a knife in his pants, and later pulling the knife out to stab Murphy twice in the chest and stomach. Byrnes also reported that Hogan was present and allegedly stabbed Murphy at the same time. She claimed to have tried to intervene, but Hayes struck her above the elbow before withdrawing. The case remains pending before a jury and Justice Patrick McCarthy. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
2017-05-04 · Limerick
During the murder trial of Dylan Hayes and Ger Hogan, witness Jodie Byrnes testified that she could not recall the events of the night Shane Murphy was stabbed because she was "stoned" on prescribed tablets and alcohol. Byrnes, who had a former relationship with Hayes, was staying at Sharon Kelly's home in Pallasgreen the weekend before Murphy's death. She described drinking and taking tablets, going to bed early, and being awakened by an unknown man who attempted to pull her pants down, prompting her to scream. She claimed the man was "out of it" and was later thrown out of the house. Byrnes said she could not remember speaking to Hayes or seeing any interaction between the accused and Murphy, and she could not recall seeing Murphy being stabbed. The judge instructed the jury to return the next day. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty. Dylan Hayes pleaded not guilty. Ger Hogan pleaded not guilty.
2017-05-03 · Limerick
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Dylan Hayes (22) and Ger Hogan (33) pleaded not guilty to the murder of 26‑year‑old Shane Murphy on 30 April 2015. Witness Graham Kelly testified that Murphy had head‑butted Hogan during an argument before the fatal fight, noting Hogan's nose was bleeding. Kelly also recounted that the accused men shouted, "Give it to him, give it to him," during the attack. Ailish Flood, who had stayed at the house that night, described a chaotic scene with drinking and shouting. She said the accused men, including Hayes who had a plastic toy gun, were in a bad state and that they began attacking Murphy. Flood claimed she saw Hayes holding a knife and Hogan holding a screwdriver, and that they stabbed Murphy. The trial will continue before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
2017-05-02 · Limerick
During a murder trial, a witness claimed he pulled Dylan Hayes (22) and Ger Hogan (33) away from Shane Murphy (26) at a house in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, on 30 April 2015. The witness, who was heavily intoxicated and had taken tablets, said he had seen Hayes with a toy gun and told him to throw it out the window. He described arriving at the house, where the accused, the victim, the victim's girlfriend Sharon Kelly, Jodie Byrnes, and another girl were present. He heard screaming, entered the sitting room, and saw a fight between the victim and the two accused. He said he broke up the fight, pulled the men apart, and struck them. After the men left, he opened the victim's top, saw he was bleeding, and attempted to resuscitate him while a woman was on a 999 call. He admitted he could not remember details due to intoxication and drugs. Dylan Hayes pleaded not guilty. Ger Hogan pleaded not guilty.
2017-04-28 · Limerick
During a trial for the murder of 26‑year‑old Shane Murphy, Dylan Hayes (22) and Ger Hogan (33) pleaded not guilty. The case centers on an argument that occurred moments before the fatal stabbing at The Grove, Pallasgreen, on 30 April 2015. Sharon Kelly, who had been dating the victim for three months, testified that a group was drinking at her home that night and that she had refused entry to Hayes, calling him "out of his head." She claimed Hayes believed a previous night's alleged rape attempt on her girlfriend, Jodie Byrnes, and that she herself had called Hayes a "junkie," an insult she said had inflamed him. Kelly also alleged that she saw Hogan and Hayes stab Murphy repeatedly with a knife and a screwdriver, a claim Hogan's counsel disputed, insisting his client was punching. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of five women and seven men.
2017-04-27 · Limerick
A jury was discharged in the Limerick murder trial of Dylan Hayes, 22, and Ger Hogan, 33, who had pleaded not guilty to the killing of 26‑year‑old Shane Murphy on 30 April 2015. Justice Patrick McCarthy, sitting at the Central Criminal Court, thanked the five women and seven men for their service and exempted them from further jury duty for ten years. He explained that a legal issue had arisen preventing the trial from continuing. A new jury of seven men and five women will begin hearing evidence this afternoon.
2017-04-25 · Limerick
In a 2017 trial, Sharon Kelly testified that she tried to stop her boyfriend Shane Murphy's murder by two men, Dylan Hayes and Ger Hogan, on 30 April 2015. Kelly, who had been with Murphy for about three months, was at her home with two women and Hogan when Hayes arrived with a gun and another man. Kelly said she told the men to leave, but they entered and began stabbing Murphy. She attempted to intervene, was pushed aside, and was stabbed in the hands and back. Hayes used a screwdriver and Hogan a knife. The attack lasted about four to five minutes, leaving Murphy blood‑covered on the floor. Kelly called emergency services; by the time they arrived, Murphy was dead. She will continue to give evidence before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury. Dylan Hayes pleaded not guilty. Ger Hogan pleaded not guilty.
2017-04-25 · Limerick
During a house party at The Grove, Pallasgreen, a 31‑year‑old man named Shane Murphy was stabbed and died from a heart wound. Dylan Hayes (22) and Ger Hogan (33) were charged with murder and pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, represented by Paul Burns SC, argued that Hayes and Hogan attacked Murphy with intent to kill or cause serious injury. The trial began with the prosecution outlining the events: a birthday celebration at the home of Murphy's girlfriend, Sharon Kelly, where a drunken man named Wayne was found beside a guest, Jodie Byrnes, who fled the bed. The next day, after a gathering at Kelly's house, Hayes was called by a partygoer and arrived shortly thereafter, leading to an altercation. The prosecution claimed that Hayes and Hogan then attacked Murphy, resulting in multiple stab wounds to his arms, abdomen and chest, with a fatal wound to the heart. Resuscitation attempts failed and Murphy died at the scene.
2017-04-24 · Limerick
Two men, Dylan Hayes, 22, of The Crescent, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle, and Ger Hogan, 33, of Raheen Square, Ballinacurra Weston, will stand trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of 31‑year‑old Shane Murphy. The alleged killing took place at The Grove, Pallasgreen, on 30 April 2015. Both pleaded not guilty. Justice Patrick McCarthy has sworn a jury of seven men and five women to hear the case, which is expected to last three weeks.