Courts / Kildare / Report
'Like kicking a football': eyewitness tells murder trial of moment deceased was struck in the head
Summary
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, an eyewitness described a violent incident in Kildare where 29‑year‑old Dylan McCarthy was struck in the head, leading to his death. The State alleged that McCarthy was punched by Sean Kavanagh (26) and Calvin Dunne (24) before Dunne delivered a "vicious kick" to McCarthy's head while he was attempting to rise. Both men claim self‑defence and that McCarthy was involved in the violence that night. They have pleaded not guilty to murder and to violent disorder, and Kavanagh also pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to McCarthy's father. The witness recounted hearing a "loud thud" like a football kick and observed McCarthy lying flat on the ground when struck. The trial continues before Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of ten men and two women.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Like kicking a football': eyewitness tells murder trial of moment deceased was struck in the head. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr McCarthy on or about August 22, 2022; violent disorder on August 21, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin, while Mr Kavanagh has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, the father of the deceased, on the same date and at the same location. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- August 22, 2022 Incident
- August 21, 2022 Incident
- 2025-01-22 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Mr McCarthy on or about August 22, 2022; violent disorder on August 21, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin, while Mr Kavanagh has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, the father of the deceased, on the same date and at the same location (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Mr McCarthy on or about August 22, 2022; violent disorder on August 21, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin, while Mr Kavanagh has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, the father of the deceased, on the same date and at the same location (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Kildare town
- Dublin
- Dublin Road
- Monasterevin
- St Mary's Lane
- Church Avenue
- Abbey View
Topics
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