Man accused of Fermanagh wedding shooting held in custody

Patrick McGinley (46) charged with murdering his uncle Bernard McGinley (63)

Bernard McGinley was shot dead outside the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Newtownbutler. Photograph: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker
Bernard McGinley was shot dead outside the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Newtownbutler. Photograph: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker

A man has been remanded in custody accused of shooting dead his uncle outside a family wedding in Fermanagh last week.

Patrick McGliney (46) is charged with the murder of Bernard McGliney (63) close to a church in rural Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland moments before the wedding was due to start last week.

The grandfather from Co Longford was shot in the chest on the road outside St Mary’s Catholic church in Newtownbutler on February 11th.

The accused, who appeared in Omagh Magistrates’ Court, is the uncle of the bride. Mr McGliney, from Lisfarrell, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, spoke only to confirm his name, address and that he understood the charge he faced during the short hearing.

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A police officer told district judge John Meehan that he could connect the accused to the crime.

Mr McGinley’s lawyer Seamus Leonard said he wanted to make clear that his client voluntarily presented himself to police in Belfast earlier this week.

“He provided a very full account of what happened in this tragic event,” he said.

The solicitor said his client did not want to apply for bail at this stage but an application would likely be made in the future.

Judge Meehan remanded the accused to custody to appear before Enniskillen Magistrates’ Court on March 16th via videolink.

Last Wednesday’s ceremony was delayed for a short period after the shooting but then went ahead.

The victim was flown to hospital from Lisnaskea in a police helicopter but died later.

PA