Two before court in connection with Mullagh man's death

Two men were charged at the weekend in connection with the death of a young Mullagh man, who was injured following an incident at a house party on St Patrick's night. Gary Wright, 40 Headfort Grove, Kells, and Sean Smith, St Killian's Park, Mullagh, were both charged with assaulting Ciaran O'Connell, causing him harm, at Rosehill, Mullagh, on 18th March last. Both men appeared before a special sitting of Cavan Court on Saturday evening and were remanded to appear at the same court again tomorrow (Thursday). Mr O'Connell (22), had gone to a party at a rented house in Mullagh on St Patrick's night and was seriously injured in an incident in the early hours of the morning. He was rushed to Cavan General Hospital before being transferred to Dublin's Beaumont Hospital, where he died last Wednesday. Gardaí then began a murder investigation. Sergeant Annemarie Lardiner told the court she arrested Gary Wright at 9.21pm on Friday 23rd March and he made no reply when charged. Sergeant John Curry said he arrested Sean Smith at 9.31pm and he, too, made no reply when charged. Superintendent Gerry O'Brien informed Judge Cormac Dunne that the victim had passed away and the DPP may bring more serious charges. Detective-Inspector Fergus Treanor objected to bail. He claimed that Wright had approached witnesses to change their statements and make false ones. "He was deflecting gardaí from getting the truth," he said. If the defendant was granted bail, Inspector Treanor was seeking strict conditions. The gardaí also sought notification of the bailpersons so that they could be examined to see if they comply with the conditions. They would also be seeking a substantial cash lodgement and that Wright stay away from witnesses and their families. "It is a small community and both accused were connected through friendships and neighbours," he said. Cross-examined by Martin Cosgrove, solicitor defending, the inspector said Gary Wright lived in Kells with his mother. He had a job there and all his connections were in the town. Inspector Treanor had no evidence that he may be a flight risk. "He has interfered with witnesses and they have made false statements," he added. With regard to Smith, Inspector Treanor said he lived in Mullagh and if, granted bail, witness wanted to ensure the person was in a position to ensure the conditions were obeyed. Replying to Seamus Mallon, solicitor for Smith, Inspector Treanor said he didn't have the same concern for this defendant. "However, he lives very close to the O'Connell family and they have concerns about contact," he remarked. Inspector Treanor had been introduced to Sean Smith's father and was satisfied he was a suitable bailsperson. Mr Mallon informed the court his client was unemployed and lived at home with both his parents. He was willing to surrender his passport. Judge Cormac Dunne remanded Wright in custody with consent to bail in his own bond of €200 and one independent surety of €1,500 to appear at Cavan Court on Thursday. Conditions of his bail are that he stays away from Mullagh and its environs, has no contact with the O'Connell family or any witnesses through other people orally, by telephone, text or email. He has to sign on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9am and 9pm, obey a curfew between 10pm and 7am and surrender his passport and not to apply for another or a duplicate. Smith was remanded on bail on the same conditions to the same court.