The case against seven men accused of assaulting the Kilkenny hurling star, P.J. Delaney, was adjourned until next September at Thurles District Court yesterday. The summonses allege the incident took place outside a Thurles hotel in September 1999.
Supt Pat Finlay applied for the adjournment while a book of evidence is prepared. Judge Tom O'Donnell urged that the book be served as quickly as possible.
Three of the men are accused of intentionally or recklessly causing harm contrary to Section 4 of the Non-fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. They are Mr Michael McCarty jnr, of Galboola, Littleton, Thurles; Mr John O'Meara, of Childers Park, Thurles; and Mr Peter McCarty, of Cabra Bridge. They are also accused of violent disorder contrary to Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.
Mr John O'Donoghue, of Beechwood Lawns, Thurles; Mr Philip McCarty and Mr Peter McCarty, both of Cabra Court, and a juvenile who cannot be named for legal reasons, were also summonsed on counts of committing violent disorder contrary to Section 15 of the Act.
Judge Tom O'Donnell adjourned the matter until September 8th.