A former All-Ireland winning hurler is accused of assaulting a 12-year-old boy. The state concluded its case today at Ennis Circuit Court against Niall Gilligan, 48, who denies the charge of assault causing harm with a stick.
The state has wrapped up its evidence in the case where former hurler Niall Gilligan is accused of assaulting a boy.
- Niall Gilligan, a former All-Ireland winning hurler, faces an assault charge.
- The alleged incident occurred on October 5, 2023, at the Jamaica Inn hostel in Sixmilebridge.
- The defense presented two witnesses, including a photographer who took pictures at the scene.
- Gilligan claims he acted in self-defense and to protect his property.
- The jury has heard medical reports detailing the boy’s injuries.
What is Niall Gilligan accused of? Niall Gilligan is accused of assaulting a then 12-year-old boy with a stick on October 5, 2023, at the Jamaica Inn hostel in Sixmilebridge. Gilligan, of Rossroe, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, denies the charge of assault causing harm.
Defense Presents Witnesses and Alibi Evidence
The defense called two witnesses at Ennis Circuit Court. Photographer Martin Murphy testified that he took photos at the Jamaica Inn hostel on Oct. 5, 2024, exactly one year after the alleged assault. Murphy captured images from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., coinciding with the time of the alleged incident in October 2023. He also provided photos taken earlier this month.
Builder provider Flan O’Neill testified that he sold plywood to Gilligan on Oct. 5, 2023. O’Neill stated the plywood was cut to size for Gilligan, a publican, auctioneer, and farmer, to repair broken windows at his Jamaica Inn hostel. The cost of the plywood was €36, including VAT. Gilligan has no previous convictions.
Details of the Alleged Assault Emerge
Earlier in the trial, the jury heard that the boy sustained a fractured bone in his left hand. Medical reports from October 2023 indicate the boy also suffered a 2cm wound to his right forearm and a 2cm wound to his right shin. He had bruising to his right shoulder, and medics believed he briefly lost consciousness on the day of the alleged assault.
Gilligan’s Account and Arrest
Gilligan was arrested on suspicion of assault at Shannon Garda Station on February 19, 2024. Accompanied by his solicitor, Daragh Hassett, Gilligan denied any assault. He stated that on October 5, 2023, at the Jamaica Inn hostel, he “acted in a reasonable manner to protect myself from injury and assault from a person or persons unknown to me in the conditions that prevailed.”
In a prepared statement, Gilligan added, “I acted in a reasonable manner to protect my property from destruction by fire and further damage.” He stated he did not know who or what was coming at him that night. Gilligan expressed sorrow for the boy but asserted that the incident would not have occurred if the boy and others had not broken into his property, started a fire, stolen keys, and caused other damage.
The case continues before a jury comprising seven men and five women.
