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Murder accused admits killing 62-year-old while watching rugby match
Summary
Gary Walsh, 34, of The Watercourse, Orwell Park, Templeogue, admitted killing 62‑year‑old Cathal Sweeney in a flat in Ashdale Gardens, Terenure, on 8 February 2014 while they were watching an Ireland‑England rugby match. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The prosecution, led by Patrick McCarthy SC, argued that an assault began after Walsh confronted Sweeney over a previously withdrawn sexual‑assault allegation. Walsh allegedly struck Sweeney six or seven times, causing blunt‑force trauma to the head and face. Paramedics found Sweeney unresponsive with no pulse; he was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital. The case is being heard by Mr Justice Michael Moriarty with a jury of twelve, and the trial is expected to last about seven days.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused admits killing 62-year-old while watching rugby match. Charges or matters: murdering Cathal Sweeney. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 8th February 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-04-24 Publication
Why: He explained that there were three people in the flat at the time, including the accused, the deceased and another man. CNI source report
Case subjects
Places mentioned
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