Courts / Dublin / Report

Former rugby captain "injured and shaking" hours before fatal assault, trial hears

Summary

The Central Criminal Court trial of Gary Walsh, 34, has heard evidence regarding the condition of the deceased, Cathal Sweeney, hours before his fatal assault. Walsh, of Templeogue, Dublin, is charged with murdering Sweeney in Ashdale Gardens, Terenure, on 8th February 2014. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Witness Michael McGuinness, a taxi driver, testified that Sweeney, a 62-year-old former rugby captain, was injured, shaking, and using a crutch when he flagged him down that morning. McGuinness noted Sweeney had difficulty entering the vehicle and appeared in bad condition, with a graze on his face. Sweeney stated he had fainted at a bus stop the previous night and been taken to James's Hospital. The driver assisted Sweeney in withdrawing €200 from a bank machine and purchasing items from a shop before driving him to the flat in Terenure between 10:30 and 11:00 am. McGuinness described Sweeney as an apologetic and conversational passenger who mentioned he was going to watch a rugby match with friends. The witness also noted Sweeney's history with alcohol and his pride in his sons' rugby achievements. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael Moriarty and a jury of six women and six men.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former rugby captain "injured and shaking" hours before fatal assault, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Cathal Sweeney in Ashdale Gardens, Terenure in Dublin; murder but guilty to manslaughter on 8th February 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 8th February 2014 Other
• 2017-04-26 Publication

Why: " The driver explained that the side of Mr Sweeney's face was grazed and he asked him about it. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Taxi Trouble Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report