Tag Archives: Thomas Lorigan

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 …

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 …