A TRAINEE mechanic has been charged in connection with the death of journalist Eugene Moloney, who died after an assault in Dublin city centre at the weekend.
Gary Burch (21), of Kennington Close, Templeogue, Dublin, was brought before Dublin District Court yesterday charged with the manslaughter of Mr Moloney at Camden Street in the early hours of Sunday, June 24th.
He was detained by gardaí for questioning on Monday morning.
Mr Moloney (55), a former reporter with the Irish Independent, lived at Portobello Place on Dublin’s southside.
He was making his way home on Sunday morning when the incident occurred on Camden Street.
He received medical attention at the scene, and was rushed to St James’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Garda Sgt Sean McAvinchey told Judge Victor Blake Mr Burch was charged with manslaughter at 12.49pm yesterday.
“I arrested the accused at Kevin Street station for the purpose of charge following directions from the ,” Sgt McAvinchey said.
The garda said that he was present when the charge was read to Mr Burch.
“In reply to charge after caution, Gary Burch made no reply,” Sgt McAvinchey added.
He then asked the judge to remand Mr Burch in custody to appear in court again next Monday.
Mr Burch, who was represented by Michael Bowman, did not address the court during the brief hearing.
He has not yet indicated how he will plead to the charge.
No application for bail or legal aid was made.
Mr Burch was told to stand up as Judge Blake made the order remanding him in custody.
Mr Moloney was a native of Donegal, and had covered the Troubles in Northern Ireland while working for the Irish News in Belfast.
He later worked for Independent Newspapers titles such as the Evening Herald and Irish Independent as a reporter for more than 20 years.
He had been working for the Daily Mail and was planning a trip to Vietnam.
A second man arrested during the investigation into the journalist’s death was released without charge from Garda custody on Monday night.
A file on the matter is being prepared for the DPP, a Garda spokesman said.