Courts / Offaly / Report
Father-of-five describes 'locking eyes' with man who shot him in chest
Summary
Patrick Ward and John Pio Ward are on trial at the Central Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to all charges. They are accused of attempting to murder Anthony McDonagh and Michael McDonagh, respectively, at an unofficial halting site in Kilcruttin, Co Offaly, on March 21, 2025. Both men also face charges of possession of firearms and violent disorder. The trial is currently in the evidence stage, with Anthony McDonagh testifying before a jury of seven men and five women under Mr Justice Paul McDermott. McDonagh alleged that he locked eyes with Patrick Ward, who he identified as his sister's partner, before being shot in the chest with a shotgun. He claimed Ward fired a second shot towards his son while a crowd of up to 15 people descended on the site. McDonagh stated he believed he, his wife, and children were going to die. The prosecution has noted the victims knew the accused for years. The matter is ongoing, with McDonagh's evidence scheduled to continue on Monday.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Father-of-five describes 'locking eyes' with man who shot him in chest. Charges or matters: attempting to murder Anthony McDonagh (40) at the unofficial halting site on March 21, 2025; the attempted murder of Michael McDonagh at the same location on the same date; all charges. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 21, 2025 Incident
- March 21 Incident
- 2026-05-08 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the attempted murder of Michael McDonagh at the same location on the same date; all charges (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: attempting to murder Anthony McDonagh (40) at the unofficial halting site on March 21, 2025; the attempted murder of Michael McDonagh at the same location on the same date; all charges (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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