Man sentenced to 12 years for manslaughter of archaeologist Emmett Connolly

At the Central Criminal Court on April 13th, Kevin Moran was sentenced to twelve years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, for the manslaughter of archaeologist Emmett Connolly. The thirty-year-old from Lodgeview, Cootehill, County Cavan, pleaded guilty to manslaughter following a jury finding in February that he was not guilty of murder. Mr Connolly, aged thirty-two from Rockcorry, County Monaghan, died from seventeen stab wounds sustained on September 28th, 2013. Mr Justice Paul Carney imposed the sentence on condition that Moran maintain a bond of one thousand euro and remain away from the deceased's family. The court heard evidence regarding the gravity of the attack and its impact on those bereaved. The Connolly family released a statement expressing relief that proceedings had concluded whilst acknowledging their ongoing grief. Moran was remanded in custody from December 7th, 2013.