Courts / Dublin / Report
Murder accused told gardai he punched rugby captain until he admitted assault
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 34‑year‑old Gary Walsh, of The Watercourse, Orwell Park, Templeogue, was charged with murdering 62‑year‑old former rugby captain Cathal Sweeney in Ashdale Gardens, Terenure. Walsh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter on 8 February 2014. He told Gardaí that he had punched Sweeney several times after an argument that began while they were watching a rugby match between Ireland and Wales in a friend's flat. Walsh claimed he struck Sweeney until the latter admitted he had sexually assaulted another man, a claim he said Sweeney denied. Walsh said he had no intention of killing Sweeney and called an ambulance after finding him slumped. The court heard that Sweeney died of blunt‑force trauma to the head and face. The trial continued with jury instructions given by Justice Michael Moriarty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he punched rugby captain until he admitted assault. Charges or matters: murdering Cathal Sweeney in Ashdale Gardens, Terenure; murder, but guilty to manslaughter on 8th February 2014. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 8th February 2014 Incident
- 2017-04-28 Publication
Why: " The gardai asked him about his reason for assaulting him in the first place. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Cathal Sweeney in Ashdale Gardens, Terenure; murder, but guilty to manslaughter on 8th February 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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