Former Clare hurler and All-Ireland winner Niall Gilligan is charged with assault causing harm to boy (12)

The 47-year-old, from Sixmilebridge, appeared before Ennis District Court yesterday in connection with two charges, which he denies.

A farmer and auctioneer, he is charged with assault causing harm to a 12-year-old boy at the Jamaica Inn Hostel, Mt Ivers Road, Sixmilebridge, last October 5, contrary to Section 3 of the Offences Against the Person Act.

He is also charged with producing a wooden stick during the course of a dispute, contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, at the same place on the same date.

His solicitor, Daragh Hassett, told Judge Alec Gabbett: “The matters are to be fully defended.”

Judge Gabbett asked if the alleged victim was known or unknown to Mr Gilligan, and Sgt Tracy Stanley replied: “Unknown.”

Sgt Stanley, of Sixmilebridge garda station, gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution of Mr Gilligan earlier yesterday.

“I arrested the defendant this morning at 10.31am on Main Street, Sixmilebridge, and conveyed him to Shannon garda station, where at 11.08am he was charged as set out in the two charges before the court,” she said.

Sgt Stanley said Mr Gilligan was cautioned after each charge and said “No reply” in each case.

Sgt Frank O’Grady told Judge Gabb­ett there was no garda objection to bail for Mr Gilligan, subject to certain conditions, and Mr Hassett told the judge the conditions had been reduced to writing.

These include that Mr Gilligan live at his own address and have no contact with the alleged injured party.

After reading the charges and the location, Judge Gabbett asked: “Is there an element of trespass here?”

Mr Hassett said there was, and Sgt Stanley said the building was owned by Mr Gilligan at the time.

Sgt Stanley said the case can proceed on a summary basis in the district court and the state solicitor would prosecute.

Judge Gabbett said he would decide if the matter would be heard in the district or circuit court on the next court date and asked that medical reports in the case be made available to him.

He asked if there was an application for legal aid and Mr Hassett replied said there was not.

The judge imposed reporting restrictions on the identity of the alleged injured party, and said the boy’s parents would be asked about that issue.

At the end of the five-minute hearing, Judge Gabbett remanded Mr Gilligan on bail to appear before Ennis District Court on July 24.

Mr Gilligan was a star forward for the senior Clare hurling team that beat Tipperary to win the 1997 All-Ireland Final.

He also won two Munster titles with Clare.