National court archive ยท 2026-03-24

Native Irish speaker described how he 'smacked' grandfather's head with granite stone, cement block

At a glance

Crime
murder
People
Derek Mulligan, Derek Burns, Patricia McLaughlin SC, Fiona Crawford BL, Detective Garda Paul Dolan, Catherine McDermott, Breege McFadden, Derek McFadden, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon
Locations
Carrickcoyle, Derrybeg, Gweedore, Co Donegal, Donegal Gaeltacht, Carrickmacafferty
Court
Central Criminal Court
Outcome
The trial continues tomorrow

Summary

The Central Criminal Court heard evidence that Derek Mulligan described attacking his grandfather Derek Burns with a granite stone and cement block. Mulligan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murder and also faces charges arising from incidents involving Catherine McDermott and the McFaddens in Donegal; the trial continues.

Read the original CNI report

Original reporting: courtsnewsireland.ie