A GAA player has told a jury he came on to the pitch during a football league game to protect a younger player, who was being assaulted by members of the opposing team.
Ronan Mullins (28), Wheatfield Road, Palmerstown, was giving evidence in his defence on day-two of his trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting an opposing team member. He has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Damian Flanagan, causing him harm at Glenaulin Park, Palmerstown, on June 19th, 2003.
Mr Mullins, a substitute for St Patrick's team, Palmerstown, allegedly ran on to the pitch during a "melee" in the second half of the match and punched the Fingal Ravens player, breaking his nose.
He told defence counsel Seán Gillane that his 19-year-old teammate, Barry O'Hanlon, was being "punched, pushed and kicked" by two Fingal players.
Mr Mullins denied a suggestion, under cross- examination by prosecuting counsel Kerida Naidoo, that he ran on to the pitch as he wanted "a piece of the action" and was using a "concocted" story about protecting Mr O'Hanlon to put himself in a good light.
Mr Naidoo put it to Mr Mullins that prosecution witnesses correctly say Mr Flanagan was fending off two St Patrick's players, when Mr Mullins came in from behind and punched him.
Mr Mullins responded: "If that was the case why would I go in?"
Mr O'Hanlon told Mr Gillane that during the melee he was involved in a scuffle with Mr Flanagan. He said he was "boxed in" by other Fingal players and had to drop to his hunkers, with his hands up to defend himself from blows, before being pulled away.
Secretary of the disciplinary committee of the Dublin County Board Noel Murphy, told Mr Gillane that Mr Flanagan had been suspended four times since 2002.
Mr Mullins was suspended following the June 19th, 2003, match but at no other time.
The closing stages in the trial have been reached, with concluding speeches by counsel for both sides.
Judge Bryan MacMahon will charge the jury this morning before it begins its deliberation.