Courts / Dublin / Report
'Only for an off-duty paramedic, I would have been left to die': court hears 'jealous' man tried to murder ex in street by stabbing her over 50 times
Summary
In a sentencing hearing at the Central Criminal Court, 22‑year‑old Josh O'Brien pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his ex‑girlfriend, Niamh Kelly, by stabbing her over 50 times on Firhouse Road, Dublin, on 19 September 2024. The attack, lasting up to six minutes, left Kelly with lifelong injuries, including a fragment of the knife still lodged in her skull. O'Brien, who had no prior convictions, claimed he was influenced by voices and had consumed alcohol that day. He admitted feeling betrayed when Kelly turned her back on him. Kelly, aged 21, described the assault as "ferocious, unwarranted, unjustified and unprovoked," and said her life has changed forever, with permanent loss of sight and paralysis in her left leg. The court postponed finalisation to 20 October 2025.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Only for an off-duty paramedic, I would have been left to die': court hears 'jealous' man tried to murder ex in street by stabbing her over 50 times. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of Ms Kelly at Firhouse Road, Firhouse, Dublin 24 on September 19, 2024. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 19, 2024 Other
- September 19 Incident
- Monday, October 20 Incident
- 2025-10-09 Publication
Why: Det Dalton explained that this referred to an incident that was reported in the media about someone who shaved a woman's head "so the girl wouldn't be attractive to other people". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the attempted murder of Ms Kelly at Firhouse Road, Firhouse, Dublin 24 on September 19, 2024 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring put the matter back to Monday, October 20 for finalisation.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Firhouse Road
Topics
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