Three men in court over death of father of five

Three Co Clare men yesterday appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of 32-year old father of five Vincent Hehir.

Hehir died on September 6th last, three days after being the victim of a late-night assault in his home village of Kildysart.

At Ennis District Court yesterday, three men from the greater Kildysart area, Mark O'Connor (18) of Rosscliffe, Ballynacally, Michael "Brian" Finn (33) of Ennis Road, Kildsyart and Noel Murphy (23) of Crovraghan, Kildysart, were each charged with the manslaughter of Hehir at Kildysart on September 6th last.

Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution of the three, Gda Michael Ryan said that all three responded "No" when charged earlier at Kilrush Garda station where all three met by arrangement with gardaí.

Insp Kevin Moynihan of Ennis Garda station told Judge Joseph Mangan that gardaí had no objection to bail for the three provided that certain conditions were met.

As part of the bail conditions, all three agreed to lodge their own surety of €500, an independent surety of €1,000, sign on weekly at an appointed Garda station, stay out of licensed premises in Kildysart, be of sober habits and surrender their passports if they possess one.

Solicitor for Mr Murphy, Darragh Hassett secured legal aid in relation to his client after stating that Mr Murphy earned €300 per week as a construction worker.

All three were remanded to re-appear before Ennis District Court on March 23rd to allow for the preparation of a Book of Evidence.

As part of the Garda investigation, gardaí took in excess of 100 statements that formed the Garda file that was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Mr Hehir grew up at Glencanane, Kildysart, and moved to London some years ago where he managed a bar at Ilford.

He had been home visiting his mother and father last September when the incident occurred.

A benefit fund was set up in Kildysart for Hehir's wife Mairéad and their five children, Katie (9), Sinead (7), Patricia (6), Molly (3) and baby Margaret.