The former champion hurler from Clare, Niall Gilligan, was seen at Ennis District Court facing charges involving the alleged assault resulting in harm to a boy of 12 years old. Mr Gilligan, a 47-year old resident of Sixmilebridge, pleaded not guilty to both accusations against him.
Accusations levelled against Mr. Gilligan, who derives his income from farming and acting as an auctioneer, include causing harm to a young lad at the Jamaica Inn Hostel located on Mount Ivers Road, Sixmilebridge. This is as per the Offences Against the Person Act’s Section 3 from October 5th in the previous year. He also faces charges for allegedly using a wooden stick amid a confrontation, violating the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act’s Section 11.
Mr Gilligan’s lawyer, Daragh Hassett, claimed to Judge Alec Gabbett that they will be contesting all charges in full. The Judge expressed his grave concern over the charges considering the child involved. When questioned about the relationship between the boy and Mr Gilligan, Sgt Stanley responded that they were strangers.
Sgt Frank O’Grady mentioned to Judge Gabbett that the Gardai did not object to Mr Gilligan being granted bail under specific conditions. These prerequisites involve Mr Gilligan residing at his Sixmilebridge home, specifically at Rosroe, and maintaining no interaction with the alleged victim.
Upon hearing the specific location of the alleged crimes, Judge Gabbett inquired if trespassing was also involved. Agreeing with the Judge, Mr Hassett confirmed that trespassing was indeed part of the charges, and Sgt Stanley revealed that Mr. Gilligan was the property owner. Further proceedings regarding the case and the decision about court jurisdiction will be dependent on medical reports, expected to be accessible to Judge Gabbett on the next court date.
The Judge then ordered Mr Gilligan’s release on bail whilst imposing a restriction on disclosing the identity of the minor involved. Further discussions will be held with the parents about this particular matter. Mr Gilligan is due to reappear at Ennis District Court on July 24th.
Mr Gilligan, a noteworthy forward for the Clare senior hurling team, was a key player in their triumphant victory over Tipperary in the 1997 All-Ireland Final. In addition to this, the man from Sixmilebridge club secured two Munster titles for Clare and acquired numerous accolades with his own club.