Courts / Cavan / Report

Double murder accused said shot man died for friend, witness tells trial

Date
2025-10-21

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Mountnugent

County
Cavan

Summary

A witness has told the Central Criminal Court that Ruth Lawrence, the accused in a double murder trial, admitted to shooting drug dealer Eoin O'Connor but said the killing "went wrong" and her boyfriend "took over". Stacey Symes testified that Lawrence said Anthony Keegan died for O'Connor "because they were friends". Ms Symes, who grew up in Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, said she and her father were asked to help move the bodies of both men. Lawrence, aged 45, with an address at Patricks Cottage, Ross, Mountnugent, Co Meath, has pleaded not guilty to murdering O'Connor and Keegan between 22 April and 26 May 2014. The court heard the bodies were later discovered on Inchicup Island on Lough Sheelin. The trial before Mr Justice Tony Hunt continues, with the defence due to cross-examine the witness.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Double murder accused said shot man died for friend, witness tells trial. Charges or matters: murdering Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O'Connor (32) at an unknown location within the State on a date between April 22, 2014 and May 26, 2014, both dates inclusive. Procedural stage: trial

When:

April 22, 2014 Other
May 26, 2014 Other
April 18, 2014 Other
April 21 Other
April 22 Other
2025-10-21 Publication

Why: Stacey Symes also told the trial today that the accused woman said Anthony Keegan, who the jury heard suffered two gunshots to the head and neck – had died for Mr O'Connor "because they were friends". CNI source report

Case subjects

Ruth Lawrence

Accused

Charges: murdering Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O'Connor (32) at an unknown location within the State on a date between April 22, 2014 and May 26, 2014, both dates inclusive (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty