Courts / Dublin / Report
Former rugby captain died from blunt force trauma to the head, murder trial hears
Summary
During a murder trial, Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that former Dublin rugby club captain Gary Walsh (32) was not guilty of murder but had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a plea not accepted by the State. Dr Curtis described the post‑mortem findings of Cathal Sweeney, aged 62, who died on 8 February 2014. Sweeney was found to have sustained severe blunt‑force trauma to his head and face, with extensive bruising, lacerations to the forehead and upper face, fractures of the nasal and left cheek bones, and a small collection of blood on both sides of the hemispheres. The injuries were attributed to heavy punches, and the presence of Warfarin therapy and high alcohol levels were noted as contributing factors to the profuse haemorrhage and cardiac arrest that led to death.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former rugby captain died from blunt force trauma to the head, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Cathal Sweeney at a house in Terenure on February 8 2014; the manslaughter of Mr Sweeney at the Central Criminal Court last week but this plea was not accepted by the State. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 8 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 9 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- Saturday February 8 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-10-13 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Cathal Sweeney at a house in Terenure on February 8 2014; the manslaughter of Mr Sweeney at the Central Criminal Court last week but this plea was not accepted by the State (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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