Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder suspect dubbed "Damien Duff" because of resemblance to soccer star, trial hears

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 1 March 2016, 31‑year‑old Gary Flynn of Rossfield Drive, Tallaght, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Seamus 'Shay' O'Byrne, who was shot at Tymon Park North on 13 March 2009. The court heard that Flynn had been nicknamed "Damien Duff" by Garda John O'Connell because of his resemblance to the former Irish soccer player. Evidence was presented by Garda Damien McGarry concerning several mobile phones linked to suspects. One phone found at the shooting scene had a contact named "Damien Duff" matching a number belonging to Eugene Cullen, another phone given to Garda by Cullen's former girlfriend, Louise Lawlor, had a number saved as Gary Flynn, though Lawlor could not confirm the identity.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder suspect dubbed "Damien Duff" because of resemblance to soccer star, trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Seamus 'Shay' O'Byrne at Tymon Park North in Tallaght on March 13, 2009. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 13, 2009 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-03-01 Publication

Why: A murder suspect was dubbed Damien Duff because he looks like the former Irish soccer player, the Central Criminal Court heard today. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report