Courts / Waterford / Report
Attacker who boasted of hitting victim 'like Conor McGregor' is convicted of murder
Summary
After two trials, Maurice Boland, 37, was found guilty of murder for the death of 26‑year‑old Cian Gallagher. The attack occurred on 2 November 2022, with Gallagher dying eight days later. Boland had claimed he had punched Gallagher "like Conor McGregor in the UFC" and later lied to Gardaí about the victim's alleged initial swing. CCTV showed Boland pursuing Gallagher down the street, delivering a "haymaker" that caused Gallagher to fall and hit his head. The prosecution argued that Boland intended to cause serious injury, while the defence maintained no intent to kill. The jury, after five hours and eleven minutes, reached a unanimous verdict of murder. Boland will be sentenced to life imprisonment on 16 December, with the victim's family invited to speak. The case was presided over by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, who thanked the jury and exempted them from further service for five years. Maurice Boland pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Attacker who boasted of hitting victim 'like Conor McGregor' is convicted of murder. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Gallagher on Barrack Street in the town. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 16 Incident
- Wednesday November 2 Incident
- November 3 2022 Incident
- 2024-12-06 Publication
Why: The defendant's lawyers had argued he was guilty of unlawful killing, not murder, because there was no evidence of his intent to kill or cause serious injury to Mr Gallagher. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Gallagher on Barrack Street in the town (Alleged Or Contested)
Convicted Person
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Gallagher on Barrack Street in the town (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: The victim's family will be invited to make statements to the court on December 16 before Boland will be sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment.
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Topics
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