Courts / Clare / Report
Garda describes moment she found 'unrecognisable' body of widower (79)
Summary
A Garda witness described to the Central Criminal Court jury the moment she discovered the body of a 79‑year‑old widower, John O'Neill, who had been severely beaten to the point of being unrecognisable. The body was found on the morning of 7 January 2024 at O'Neill's bed and breakfast on St Brendan's Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. Garda Louise Keogh, on duty at 8.06 am, received a call about an altercation the previous night and, after failing to open the front door, entered the house through a broken window. She saw the victim lying on the ground with blood around his head, a broken vase beside him, and scattered cards including a PPS card. Paramedic Melissa Power confirmed the death at 9.15 am. The accused, Thomas Lorigan, 34, of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to the murder.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda describes moment she found 'unrecognisable' body of widower (79). Charges or matters: murdering John O'Neill (79) at St Brendan's Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare on a date unknown between January 6 and 7, 2022. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 6 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 7 Other
- January 5 Other
- Christmas Other
- 2024-01-18 Publication
Why: He said 'Mossy' didn't give him a reason for the row and that he did not know until then that Mr O'Neill was the accused's uncle. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering John O'Neill (79) at St Brendan's Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare on a date unknown between January 6 and 7, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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