Courts / Offaly / Report
'Too many pellets to count' in shooting victim, attempted murder trial hears
Summary
In an attempted‑murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Patrick Ward (38) and John Pio Ward (42) are charged with trying to kill Anthony McDonagh (40) and Michael McDonagh (46) at an unofficial halting site in Co Offaly on 21 March 2025. Dr Chloe Doran testified that Anthony had innumerable shotgun pellet wounds to the chest, heart, lungs and major vessels, with a CT scan showing pellets in the heart, jugular vein, aorta and collapsed lungs. Michael also suffered numerous pellets in the torso, neck and chest, with a CT scan revealing pellets in the heart, neck and large arteries. Both men were treated by multiple doctors and nursing staff, monitored in intensive care, and were described as "very lucky" not to suffer serious complications or death. The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges, including possession of firearms and violent disorder.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Too many pellets to count' in shooting victim, attempted murder trial hears. Charges or matters: attempting to murder Anthony McDonagh (40) at the unofficial halting site on March 21, 2025; the attempted murder of Michael McDonagh (46) at the same location on the same date; all charges. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 21, 2025 Other
- March 22 2025 Other
- 2026-05-13 Publication
Why: In cross-examination, Mr O'Higgins, for John Ward, put it to the witness that the McDonaghs had given the exact same reason for not making a statement and asked whether this a coincidence. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the attempted murder of Michael McDonagh (46) 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 (46) at the same location on the same date; all charges (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Midland Regional Hospital
- St James's Hospital
- St James Hospital
Topics
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