Courts / Waterford / Report
Murder accused 'wanted to be like Conor McGregor' and viewed young man 'as prey', prosecution tell jury
Summary
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the State presented Maurice Boland (37) as a drunken aggressor who pursued and struck Cian Gallagher (26) after Gallagher left a pub in Tallow. Prosecutor Bernard Condon SC argued that Boland's intent was to inflict serious injury, citing Boland's remarks about wanting to "be like Conor McGregor" and his aggressive behaviour earlier that evening. He described the incident as a pursuit rather than a fight, noting that Gallagher was "set upon" and knocked down by a "killer punch" that caused him to hit his head. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC contended that Boland was guilty of unlawful killing, not murder, because there was no evidence of intent to kill or cause serious harm. The judge instructed the jury that a verdict of murder requires proof of intent to kill or serious injury, and the jury will deliberate tomorrow. Maurice Boland pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused 'wanted to be like Conor McGregor' and viewed young man 'as prey', prosecution tell jury. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Gallagher at Barrack Street in the town on November 10, 2022. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 10, 2022 Incident
- Wednesday November 2 Incident
- November 3 Incident
- 2024-12-04 Publication
Why: However, defence counsel, Brendan Grehan SC, said that Maurice Boland (37) was guilty of unlawful killing, not murder, because there was no evidence of his intent to kill or cause serious injury to Cian Gallagher (26). Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Gallagher at Barrack Street in the town on November 10, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Barrack Street
Topics
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