Courts / Offaly / Report

Partner of man on trial for attempted murder tells jury he didn't shoot her brother

Summary

The trial of Patrick Pa' Ward (38) and John Pio Ward (42), both of Kilcruttin, Tullamore, Co Offaly, continued at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. The accused, who have pleaded not guilty to all charges, face allegations of attempting to murder Anthony McDonagh (40) and Michael McDonagh (46) at an unofficial halting site on March 21, 2025. They also face charges of possession of firearms and violent disorder. Defence witness Eileen McDonagh, the sisters of the alleged victims and partner of Patrick Ward, testified that she did not believe Patrick committed the shootings. She stated she was with him that night and denied lying to the jury. An unnamed alibi witness for John Ward testified to hearing loud bangs near the site around 10:05 pm and seeing John Ward outside. Another unnamed witness claimed to have been in John Ward's yard around 9:40 pm when he heard two bangs. The prosecution case has concluded, and the defence is currently presenting its evidence. The matter was adjourned and the trial continues tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Partner of man on trial for attempted murder tells jury he didn't shoot her brother. 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 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 21 Hearing Or Sentence
• April 23 Other
• 2026-05-20 Publication

Why: Asked if she had been "off" with her husband, Ms McDonagh said she was because Patrick had told her his name was being mentioned in connection with the shooting. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report