Courts / Limerick / Report

'I hit him with a shovel and I hope the c**t is dead,' killer told gardai

Date
2025-07-31

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Joseph Cahill, 46, pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of 43‑year‑old Gerard Curtin. Cahill admitted striking Curtin four times with a shovel after the victim had repeatedly smashed a window of Cahill's house, threatened to burn it, and demanded money. Cahill claimed he believed he was protecting himself, his property and his children, but the force used was excessive. He called emergency services after the blows, then waited over eight minutes before requesting an ambulance, stating he thought Curtin was dead. The court noted Cahill's history of mental illness, substance abuse and gambling, and that he had no prior convictions. The sentencing hearing was adjourned to 24 November. The article does not disclose the final sentence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'I hit him with a shovel and I hope the c**t is dead,' killer told gardai. Charges or matters: the unlawful killing of 43-year-old Gerard 'Ger' Curtin, heard that Cahill had previously threatened to kill the deceased after Mr Curtin came to his house, threw stones at his windows, threatened to burn the house down and demanded money; the unlawful killing of Gerard Curtin on November 4, 2023 outside his home. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

May 30 Incident
November 4, 2023 Incident
November 24 Adjournment
2025-07-31 Publication

Why: They never got to say goodbye or kiss him one last time because his injuries were so catastrophic that his coffin had to be closed. CNI source report

Case subjects

Joseph Cahill

Defendant

Charges: the unlawful killing of 43-year-old Gerard 'Ger' Curtin, heard that Cahill had previously threatened to kill the deceased after Mr Curtin came to his house, threw stones at his windows, threatened to burn the house down and demanded money; the unlawful killing of Gerard Curtin on November 4, 2023 outside his home (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Mr Baker said the offence warrants a headline sentence of ten to 15 years.; Ms Justice Creedon adjourned sentencing to November 24.