Two men charged over Mullagh death

Two men have been charged 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 of 40 Headford 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 March 18. The victim passed away last Wednesday, March 21, and Gardaí subsequently launched a murder investigation. Both defendants appeared before a special sitting of Cavan District Court on Saturday evening and again at the same court yesterday (Tuesday) in connection with the incident. Wright was granted bail yesterday with strict conditions imposed on him; while Smith was granted bail on Saturday with similar conditions. At yesterday's sitting, both were further remanded to Virginia District Court on April 20. In evidence during Saturday's sitting, the court heard that Ciaran O'Connell, 22, had gone to the 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 Beaumont Hospital where he died on Wednesday. The court heard that both men were arrested on Friday evening, March 23 and neither made any reply when charged. Superintendent Gerry O'Brien informed Judge Cormac Dunne that the injured party had passed away and the DPP may prefer 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." If the defendant was granted bail, Insp Treanor was seeking strict conditions. The Gardaí also requested that Wright stay away from witnesses and their families. "It is a small community and both accused were connected through friendships and neighbours." Cross-examined by Martin Cosgrove, solicitor defending, the inspector said 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. Replying to Seamus Mallon, solicitor for Smith, Insp Treanor said he didn't have the same concern for him. "However, he lives very close to the O'Connell family and they have concerns about contact." Mr Mallon informed the court that his client was unemployed and lived at home with both his parents. He was willing to surrender his passport. Strict bail conditions were set for both defendants.