Courts / Clare / Report
Gardai recovered pair of bloodied boots, murder trial hears
Summary
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Thomas Lorigan, 34, pleaded not guilty to the killing of his 79‑year‑old uncle, John O'Neill, who was found dead on the kitchen floor of his home on St Brendan's Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. The prosecution alleged that Lorigan repeatedly kicked O'Neill to the head while wearing steel‑capped boots, causing severe injuries that left the body unrecognisable. Garda John Costello testified that he discovered a pair of blood‑stained boots and blue jeans behind an armchair in the victim's house on 7 January 2022. Sergeant Joe Fallon later seized the boots, noting a small splatter of blood under them, and collected a swab. Witnesses, including Walter Burke and several pub staff, described Lorigan's visits to the house and his alleged quarrels with O'Neill. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, continues with a jury of five men and seven women.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Gardai recovered pair of bloodied boots, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering widower 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 Incident
- January 6 2022 Other
- January 7, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 6, 2022 Other
- October 2021 Other
- July 2021 Other
- 2024-01-19 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering widower 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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