A 31-year-old man has been remanded in custody after he was charged with the murder of a former rugby player in Dublin at the weekend.
Father-of-three Cathal Sweeney (62), died after he was attacked in a flat at Ashdale Gardens in the Terenure area of the city on Saturday night.
Mr Sweeney, who had worked as a graphic artist was a former captain of St Mary’s rugby club in Templeogue in Dublin and his son, David, previously captained the Dublin senior hurling team.
He had spent the day socialising and watching the Ireland-Wales rugby match with a number of other men and suffered head injuries after a row broke out.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics, but died a short time later in St James’s Hospital.
Gary Walsh, who was arrested at the scene and questioned throughout Sunday, appeared at Dublin District Court this morning charged with the murder of Mr Sweeney.
Det Sgt Joe Molloy told Judge Michael Walsh that at 12.01am, the accused was charged with murder and after he was cautioned he said: “No reply”.
Mr Walsh, who has an address at Ravensdale, Kimmage, is charged with murdering Mr Sweeney at Ashdale Gardens, Terenure on February 8th.
However, he has not yet indicated how he will plead to the charge and remained silent during his brief hearing.
Judge Walsh acceded to a request from defence solicitor Michael Hanahoe to grant legal aid to the 31-year-old man.
Due to the nature of the charge bail can only be granted in the High Court and he was remanded in custody.
Mr Walsh will face his next hearing at Cloverhill District Court on Friday.