An Offaly GAA footballer who landed a kick on another player's head while he was lying on the ground has been given an 11-month jail sentence and told to pay €15,000 compensation.
The jail sentence has been adjourned to November 2nd on the condition that he has paid the compensation by then.
Declan Kelly (25), of Pollagh, Tullamore, pleaded guilty at Tullamore District Court yesterday to the assault on David Cassidy during an Offaly senior championship match on June 18th last. He was also convicted this year for assaulting his team manager after a club function.
Tullamore District Court yesterday heard a tussle for a ball took place between players from Kelly's club Erin Rovers and Brackin in the match at Cappincur, Co Offaly.
After the tussle, Mr Cassidy was lying on the ground, and Mr Kelly aimed a kick at his head. He was knocked unconscious and brought to hospital in Tullamore, before being transferred to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, where he spent 13 days.
He suffered cerebral bleeding, but has since made a full recovery. He told the court yesterday he believed Kelly was very sorry for what had happened.
The court heard Kelly travelled to the hospital to apologise to Mr Cassidy.
Kelly's solicitor, Donal Farrelly, said Kelly's mother had died suddenly at a young age and he had unresolved issues. He lived with his partner and was otherwise a good man. He was suspended from playing GAA.
Mr Cassidy asked to address the court and told the judge that while the assault was serious, he accepted Kelly's apology.
Judge John Neilan said he would adjourn sentence until November 2nd but ordered Kelly to bring €15,000 to court.
Kelly was previously given a 12-month suspended sentence in March this year for assaulting his former GAA team manager. He received the sentence after pleading guilty to punching and kicking Seán Cooney, a former All-Ireland footballer, at a function in Moate, Co Westmeath.
Mr Cooney had led the Erin Rovers team to championship glory and was presented with a trophy at the function. However, he was assaulted outside the hotel afterwards by Kelly and received serious eye injuries. Kelly was instructed to pay €5,000 compensation.