Courts / Dublin / Report
Eyewitness describes moment veteran criminal was murdered
Summary
The Special Criminal Court trial of Kenneth Donohoe and Darren Murphy for the murder of Eamon Kelly on December 4, 2012, continues before a three-judge panel. Both accused, aged 42 and 50 respectively, have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to the possession of a Glock pistol with intent to endanger life. Prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC outlined nine categories of circumstantial evidence, including CCTV and firearm residue, linking the defendants to the shooting at Furry Park Road, Killester. Witnesses described Kelly, a veteran criminal, being shot multiple times in the chest while walking home. Neighbours testified to hearing loud bangs and seeing Kelly staggering, gasping, and still breathing before emergency services arrived. One witness noted Kelly's dog was shaking during the incident. Detective Garda Brian Maher testified that he and colleague Aine Ni Chathain arrested Sean Connolly near Clontarf Cricket Club shortly after the shooting, finding surgical gloves and a neck warmer on him. Connolly, then aged 35, was previously jailed for life by the Special Criminal Court for the murder of Kelly. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Alexander Owens, is expected to last six weeks.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Eyewitness describes moment veteran criminal was murdered. Charges or matters: the possession of a firearm, a Glock pistol, with intent to endanger life, on the same date and at the same location. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 4, 2012 Incident
- December 4 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-06-09 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the possession of a firearm, a Glock pistol, with intent to endanger life, on the same date and at the same location (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: the possession of a firearm, a Glock pistol, with intent to endanger life, on the same date and at the same location (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Convicted Person
Outcome: Sean Connolly, then aged 35, of Bernard Curtis House, Bluebell, Dublin was jailed for life by the Special Criminal Court for the murder of veteran criminal Kelly.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Furry Park Road
- Ferry Bank Road
- Catriona Lane
- Bernard Curtis House
- Howth Road
- phone and rang Raheny Garda Station
- Castle Avenue
Topics
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'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request