Tag Archives: John O’Neill

A Central Criminal Court jury has this morning unanimously found a nephew guilty of murdering his 78-year-old uncle by stamping him to death while wearing steel-capped boots. The jury agreed with the prosecution case that Thomas Lorigan was the man who was caught on CCTV delivering calculated, “well-aimed” kicks as widower John O’Neill lay helplessly on the ground outside his home in Lisdoonvarna in Co Clare. A garda witness told the jury that the pensioner had been severely beaten to the point where he was “unrecognisable”. There was no known motive for the murder but State prosecutors submitted the fact that there was no cash robbery and that family photos were found smashed suggested the killing was “something personal”. Thomas Lorigan (34), of no fixed abode, had pleaded not guilty to murdering John O’Neill (78) at St Brendan’s Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare on a date unknown between January 6 and 7, 2022. The Central Criminal Court trial heard that Lorigan …

A CLARE man accused of murdering a man in Lisdoonvarna has been returned for trial to the central criminal court. At Ennis district court this Wednesday, a book of evidence was served on Thomas Lorigan (32). Lorigan, of no fixed abode, is charged with the murder of pensioner John O’Neill at St Brendan’s Road, Lisdoonvarna, on dates inclusive between January 6 and January 7. The charge against Lorigan is contrary to Common Law. Lorigan appeared in person at court, his previous appearances having been via video link from Limerick prison where he has been in custody on remand. Garda Stephen Murray gave evidence of serving a copy of the book of evidence. Sergeant Aiden Lonergan told the court that on receipt of directions from the director of public prosecutions (DPP), he was applying to have the case returned to the present sittings of the central criminal court. Solicitor Daragh Hassett asked that legal aid be assigned going forward to his …

THE late John O’Neill had been a great father and grandfather, his son Graham told mourners at his funeral in Lisdoonvarna this morning. Graham said that John’s mother had been a nurse in London during the Second World War and that “her sense of duty to others and confidence in her own ability to help was something that must have rubbed off on her only son”. He said that even as a boy John had a certain charisma and likeability. “His proud sister Marie told me recently of a time that he stood up to a teacher that was heavy-handed in punishment of a classmate. He received a punishment himself, but it marked him out as someone with a good heart and a brave disposition. John’s school friends remember his enduring kind demeanour, someone who could resolve dilemmas in childhood games and troubles with humour. He was always quick to see the funny side.” Friends he made as a youngster …

Owen Ryan heard warm tributes to the late John O’Neill who was killed last Friday in Lisdoonvarna MANY tributes have been paid to the late John O’Neill since his death last Friday, with people in Lisdoonvarna describing him as very friendly, likeable and holding a wide range of interests. John was in his late seventies and was predeceased by his wife Christine, who died last year. He is survived by his two sons, Seán and Graham, and a number of grandchildren. John and Christine had run a prominent B&B on St Brendan’s Road in Lisdoonvarna, while it was also home to a painting school. Heather Crowe, who runs the Ritz Hotel and Bar in Lisdoonvarna very close to the O’Neill’s home said the death had caused huge shock in the area. “There has been a huge cloud over the town since this news last Friday morning. “John was a well respected man, the family are well respected in the town. …

FUNERAL details have been announced for the 78-year-old Clareman who was killed in Lisdoonvarna last Friday morning. The late John O’Neill (better known as Jack) of St. Brendan’s Road, Lisdoonvarna, was found dead in unexplained circumstances on January 7. Mr O’Neill will repose at Cullinan’s Funeral Home, Ennistymon, this Thursday, January 13, from 5pm with removal at 7.30pm to The Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday (January 14) at 11am with burial afterwards in The Holy Rosary Cemetery Doolin. Mr O’Neill had run a tourism business in Lisdoonvarna and was bereaved on the death of his wife Chris last year. Speaking to The Clare Champion several local people said he was a friendly and sociable person, who was popular in the area. Predeceased by his wife Chris, sisters Geraldine and Philomena, Mr O’Neill is deeply regretted by his loving sons Séan and Graham, daughters-in-law Norma and Deirdre, adored grandchildren Conor, Síofra, Cara, Odhran and Donagh, …

A CLARE man charged with the murder of a pensioner in Lisdoonvarna has been further remanded in custody, writes Ronan Judge. Thomas Lorigan (32), of no fixed abode, appeared at Ennis district court this Wednesday via video link from Limerick Prison. Lorigan is charged with the murder of John O’Neill (78) at St Brendan’s Road, Lisdoonvarna at a time unknown between January 6 and January 7. The charge against Lorigan is contrary to Common Law. During the brief hearing, the accused spoke only to confirm that he could see and hear the court proceedings. Sergeant Aiden Lonergan told the court the matter had first come before the court on Saturday, January 8. Sergeant Lonergan said directions from the director of public prosecutions (DPP) are already known and that a book of evidence is awaited in the case. The DPP has directed trial on indictment. The sergeant said it was the State’s application to have the accused remanded in custody for …

THE Lisdoonvarna man whose body was found on Friday morning has been named as John O’Neill. Aged in his 70s, Mr O’Neill had run a tourism business in Lisdoonvarna and was bereaved on the death of his wife last year. Speaking to The Clare Champion yesterday several local people said he was a friendly and sociable person, who was popular in the area. A man in his thirties was arrested on Friday and is still being questioned this afternoon. Mr O’Neill’s remains were brought to Limerick for a post mortem examination and Gardaí have said that the results will determine the course of their investigation.