Two youths have been charged with the manslaughter of a man who died after an assault in north Dublin on St Patrick’s Day last year.
Joseph Connolly suffered head injuries following a row outside a pharmacy on the Ballymun Road, in Ballymun, on St Patrick’s night.
The 48-year-old, who was single and from Poppintree in Ballymun, was found conscious by paramedics and rushed by ambulance to the Mater hospital. He was then transferred to the Beaumont hospital where his condition deteriorated overnight and he died the following afternoon.
Today a 16-year-old schoolboy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, and Ryan Greene (19), of Knowth Court, Poppintree, were charged with unlawfully killing Mr Connolly, on March 17 last.
Detective Garda Ronan McMurrow told Judge Bryan Smyth at the Dublin Children’s Court that directions from the DPP had been received. Appointments were then made through the youths’ solicitors for them to go to Ballymun Garda station this morning.
Mr Greene, who was wearing grey trousers and a blue jacket, was the first to be called. Det Gda McMurrow said “he made no reply to charge after caution”.
A book of evidence needed to be prepared, the judge heard, and Det Gda McMurrow had no objection to bail — with conditions — being granted.
He said Mr Greene has already surrendered his passport and asked for an order that he was not to apply for a duplicate one or other travel documents. Judge Smyth agreed to impose that bail condition and also made an order compelling Mr Greene to sign on once a week at Ballymun Garda station, to reside at his current address and be of good behaviour.
Mr Greene spoke once during the proceedings to confirm his signature on his bail bond.
The 16-year-old also made no reply to caution when he was charged, Det Gda McMurrow said, adding that a book of evidence had to be prepared in his case as well.
Judge Smyth agreed to impose the same bail conditions on the boy, who was wearing jeans and a hooded top.
The teenager spoked twice during the hearing saying “yes” each time when asked if he understood the bail terms and that he risked being remanded in custody if he broke them.
Neither has indicated how they intend to plead. Legal aid was granted and both, who were accompanied to their hearing by their parents, were remanded on bail to appear again on April 26th next.