Courts / Dublin / Report
Criminal who attacked elderly priest with iron bar is jailed for five years
Summary
In a burglary that turned violent, Shane Cooney, aged 24, was sentenced to five years in prison for attacking Father Diarmuid Byrne, 70, with an iron bar on St Anthony's Road, Rialto, on 16 October 2013. The assault left the priest with a fractured skull and numerous facial wounds, requiring 26 stitches. Gardaí found blood‑stained iron bar and other items outside the priest's home after neighbours reported a disturbance. Cooney, who had 74 prior convictions, pleaded guilty to burglary and assault. Judge Mary Ellen Ring imposed a five‑year sentence, suspending the final 18 months. The court noted the victim's age and the impact of the attack, but no further details of the sentence's effective custodial term were provided in the article. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Criminal who attacked elderly priest with iron bar is jailed for five years. Charges or matters: burglary and assaulting Fr Byrne causing him harm on St Anthony's Road, Rialto on October 16, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 16, 2013 Incident
- July 2008 Other
- 2015-03-27 Publication
Why: He was arrested because there were concerns for his own safety and there was blood splattered all over his clothing and runners. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: burglary and assaulting Fr Byrne causing him harm on St Anthony's Road, Rialto on October 16, 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Mary Ellen Ring imposed a five year sentence with the final 18 month suspended.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- St Anthony's Road
- That way
Topics
Burglary Stage Sentence 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'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request