Brothers go on trial accused of attempted murders at unofficial halting site
A jury has been sworn in for the trial of two brothers from Offaly charged with one count each of the attempted murders of two men at an unofficial halting site.At the Central Criminal Court today, Patrick Ward (38) of 7 Kilcruttin, Tullamore, Co Offaly, was charged with attempting to murder Anthony McDonagh at the unofficial halting site, Kilcruttin, Co Offaly, on March 21, 2025.John Pio Ward (42) of Bay 6, Kilcruttin Halting Site, Tullamore, Co Offaly, was charged with the attempted murder of Michael McDonagh at the same location and on the same date.Both men face further charges of the possession of firearms and violent disorder, at Kilcruttin halting site on the same date.The two accused pleaded not guilty to all charges.Counsel for the State is Kevin White SC, while defence for Patrick Ward is Damien Colgan SC and defence for John Pio Ward is Michael O’Higgins SC.Ms Justice Eileen Creedon told the jury that the trial is expected to run until May 21.The trial will begin today, before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and the jury of seven men and five women.Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
