Morning briefing – Irish Times
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Murder trial: CCTV audio played in court captured accused Alex Deady (21) telling co-accused he “couldn’t wait to see” the victim’s face after a golf-club strike in a Doneraile fracas. The victim, Barry Daly (44), a father of five, later died.
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Dublin fatal stabbing investigation:
- Third arrest made — a juvenile male in his mid-teens is being questioned under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act over the killing of 21-year-old student Qayyum Balogun in Dublin on Monday.
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Separate court appearance — Joshua Brodericks (25), from Rahoon, Co Galway, charged with assault causing harm and violent disorder; Gardaí allege he was among a “14‑man pack” that chased Balogun. He is not charged with offences specifically against the deceased.
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Child abduction/custody ruling: The High Court ruled a 14-year-old Lithuanian boy, brought to Ireland by his father without the mother’s consent, can remain here. The judge accepted the boy’s “considerable maturity” and his account that returning would put him at risk due to his mother’s addictive behaviour, despite his stated wish to go home.
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Exams: End of week one for Leaving Cert/Junior Cycle. Students and teachers reported Higher Level Maths Paper 1 was fair and accessible, with choice helping candidates avoid trickier questions. Advice from educators: use the weekend to rest and reset ahead of next week’s papers.
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Welfare fraud case: Eimear Carroll (43), from Birr, Co Offaly, who faked two pregnancies and wore a “false bump” to claim benefits and leave cover, walked free after five months in custody. She received €12,425; maternity cover arrangements cost the State a further €46,939.
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Business: Provisional liquidators appointed to Woodco Renewable Energy Ltd (Co Tipperary) after a rescue plan reliant on external investment collapsed. The biomass/solar firm cited project delays, including planning processes, and cash-flow pressures.
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Legal profession: Kilkenny solicitor Con McDonnell sanctioned for abandoning a “vulnerable” client; barred from practising other than as an employee for five years and ordered to pay inquiry costs.