Niall Gilligan: Clare Hurler Accused of Child Abuse
Former Hurling Star Niall Gilligan Faces Assault Charges in Ennis Court
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allegations of Stick Assault on 12-Year-Old Boy Emerge in Trial
Ennis Circuit Court – A jury heard on Wednesday that former all-Star and Clare All-Ireland winning hurler, Niall Gilligan, allegedly struck a 12-year-old boy on the leg with a stick during an incident in October 2023. The court was presented with the State’s case by counsel Sarah jane Comerford BL, who outlined the allegations against Mr. Gilligan, 48, of Rossroe, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge.
Mr. Gilligan has pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault causing harm to the boy. He is also denying a separate charge of producing a wooden stick capable of inflicting serious injury during the course of a dispute.
The Alleged Incident: Exploring an Abandoned Property
According to Ms. Comerford’s opening speech, the incident occurred on october 5, 2023, when the then 12-year-old boy and his 13-year-old friend entered the Jamaica Inn hostel in Sixmilebridge, believing the property to be abandoned. While they were exploring the building, Mr. Gilligan, who owned the property at the time, arrived to check on it.
The court was informed that the property had reportedly been subjected to vandalism and break-ins in the days leading up to the alleged assault.
“Whacked Him on the Leg with a Stick”: The Prosecution’s Account
Ms.Comerford detailed that the two boys were outside the property when they saw Mr. Gilligan.Upon seeing him, they reportedly ran. The 12-year-old boy will testify that he slipped in a puddle, and Mr. Gilligan then allegedly approached him from behind and “whacked him on the leg with a stick.” The prosecution claims the alleged assault continued,with Mr. Gilligan hitting the boy on his leg, ribs, hip, elbow, and hand.
The jury is expected to here medical evidence, including photographs of bruising and cuts, which the prosecution contends were caused by Mr. Gilligan using a wooden stick.
Aftermath and Witness testimony
Following the alleged assault, Ms.Comerford stated that Mr. Gilligan grabbed the boy by his jacket and took him to the road, where he questioned him about his name and his father. The boy will reportedly tell the jury that he sat on a wall afterwards due to his asthma,struggling to breathe.he was later reunited with his 13-year-old friend, who will testify that he saw Mr. Gilligan outside the Jamaica Inn and ran with his friend, managing to escape. The 13-year-old reported hearing his friend screaming and waited in a nearby industrial estate, feeling scared despite being relatively safe.
Minutes later, the two boys met again, with the older boy supporting his friend as he attempted to walk home.
Medical Attention and Garda Involvement
Upon reaching home, the injured boy was taken to a local VHI clinic and subsequently to University Hospital Limerick. He received treatment for his injuries, and gardaí were called to the scene.
The trial is ongoing, with further evidence and testimony expected to be presented to the jury.