Courts / Galway / Report
Limerick man who killed partner is freed after 11 years
Summary
A 49‑year‑old Limerick man, Kieran Lynch, was freed after 11 years in custody following the quashing of his murder conviction. Lynch had originally been sentenced to life in prison in 2007 for the killing of his partner, Catherine McEnery, aged 36, at their home in Craughwell, Co. Galway. He appealed in 2013 on the grounds of misdirection by the judge and the influence of benzodiazepines he had received after a near‑drowning incident. The Court of Criminal Appeal quashed the conviction, and Lynch was re‑arraigned in May, pleading not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. He was sentenced to 12 years, with the last four years suspended for two years post‑release, and was released after paying a €10 bond for good behaviour. The case highlighted the impact of drug influence on his actions and the severe injuries sustained by McEnery. The court noted the significant assault and the family's profound loss.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Limerick man who killed partner is freed after 11 years. Charges or matters: murdering the mother of his son at their home, 'Rose Cottage', in Craughwell, Co Galway on July 17 2005; murder but guilty to manslaughter and the State accepted his plea. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- March 2007 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 17 2005 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2005 Incident
- July 16th Incident
- July 17th Incident
- 2016-07-28 Publication
Case subjects
Background Person
Charges: murdering the mother of his son at their home, 'Rose Cottage', in Craughwell, Co Galway on July 17 2005; murder but guilty to manslaughter and the State accepted his plea (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Kieran Lynch was sentenced to life in prison In March 2007, after a Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty of the murder of 36-year-old Catherine McEnery. He was back before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy to be sentenced today.; The judge had adjourned sentencing until yesterday and imposed a 12-year sentence, suspending the last four years for two years post release.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Senator's action over State's alleged secret deal with British military cannot be heard by court, appeal told
- State fails in preliminary action over State's alleged secret deal with British military
- Former hotelier fails in second bid to overturn conviction for rape of employee (17)
- Preliminary trial to decide issues in case over State's alleged secret deal with RAF
- Date set for State's bid to halt challenge to alleged secret agreement with RAF
- State claims action over 'secret arrangement' with RAF cannot be considered by courts
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request