Courts / Offaly / Report
Alleged attempted murder victim tells court he's '100% sure' shooter was partner's sister
Summary
Patrick Ward (38) and John Pio Ward (42), both of Kilcruttin, Tullamore, Co Offaly, are on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with attempting to murder Anthony McDonagh (40) and Michael McDonagh, respectively, at an unofficial halting site on March 21, 2025. Both accused have pleaded not guilty to all charges, which also include possession of firearms and violent disorder. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of seven men and five women. During testimony, Anthony McDonagh stated he was "100% sure" Patrick Ward was the shooter, describing how Ward pointed a gun at him from a distance of up to three feet. McDonagh suffered a chest wound, a broken nose, and embedded pellets. He denied cross-examination suggestions that he was mistaken or had a motive to implicate Ward, asserting his identification was correct. Defense counsel for John Pio Ward questioned whether the shooter could have seen the victim, but McDonagh maintained his view was unobstructed. The matter was adjourned and continues tomorrow.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Alleged attempted murder victim tells court he's '100% sure' shooter was partner's sister. 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 Other
- April 8, 2025 Other
- 2026-05-11 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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