Courts / Offaly / Report
Not an 'iota' of support for shooting victim's recognition evidence, defence tell jury
Summary
Two brothers, Patrick Pa' Ward (38) and John Pio Ward (42), are on trial for attempting to murder two brothers at an unofficial halting site in Co Offaly. The victims, Anthony McDonagh (40) and Michael McDonagh (46), were shot in the chest, neck, and face with pellets from a shotgun. Anthony McDonagh testified that he locked eyes with Patrick Ward before being shot, while Michael McDonagh claimed John Pio Ward shot him. The prosecution, led by Kevin White SC, argued that the recognition evidence given by the McDonagh brothers was crucial, despite the lack of CCTV footage or maps of the incident. The defence, led by Damien Colgan SC, argued that there was no evidence to support the victims' testimony and suggested they were colluding to falsely accuse the accused. The trial continues with the jury considering whether the McDonagh brothers' accounts were truthful or if they were lying. The accused face further charges of possession of firearms and violent disorder. Patrick Pa' Ward pleaded not guilty. John Pio Ward pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Not an 'iota' of support for shooting victim's recognition evidence, defence tell jury. 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
- 2026-05-21 Publication
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
Topics
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