Courts / Offaly / Report

Brothers go on trial charged with attempted murders at halting site

Summary

A trial involving two brothers from Offaly charged with attempted murder at an unofficial halting site has begun. Patrick Ward (38) and John Pio Ward (42) are each charged with attempting to murder two men on March 21, 2025. They also face charges of possessing firearms and violent disorder. Both pleaded not guilty. The trial is expected to last until May 21 and will be presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott. Meanwhile, in a separate case, defence counsel for three men accused of familial sexual abuse argued that the complainant's claims were unreliable. John Peart SC suggested the evidence was 'nonsensical' and full of holes. Hugh Hartnett SC highlighted the lack of reliability in the evidence, noting the complainant did not initially report the abuse. Marc Thompson Grolimund SC argued that the prosecution's case was weak and that the evidence lacked detail. The trial continues with the jury's charge from Ms Justice Caroline Biggs.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Brothers go on trial charged with attempted murders at halting site. Charges or matters: attempting to murder Anthony McDonagh at the unofficial halting site on March 21, 2025; the attempted murder of Michael McDonagh at the same location and on the same date; all charges. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 21, 2025 Incident
• May 21 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2026-05-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report