A champion weight-lifter charged in connection with a shooting in Galway City last has been refused bail and remanded in continuing custody.
Anthony McDonagh (42) of Tulach Ard, Circular Road, Galway, faces two charges of having a sawn-off shotgun and a shotgun cartridge with intent to endanger life at Whitestrand Road, Salthill, Galway on April 18th last.
He is further charged with intentionally or recklessly causing harm to Martin Ward on the same date.
Mr McDonagh was refused bail by the District Court in April and a subsequent bail application to the High Court was also unsuccessful.
Detective Garda Tony Reidy objected to a fresh bail application by Mr McDonagh at today's sitting of Galway District Court.
In making his bail application, Mr McDonagh gave evidence that he was one of the best weight-lifters in the world and he was willing to "pay down big money in cash" to secure his own bail.
"I represented this country and brought home gold a few times for this country," he added.
Judge Eamon O'Brien refused bail and he remanded Mr McDonagh in custody to appear before the court again on August 12th, for service of a book of evidence.
Martin Ward (21) of Rahoon, Galway, lost his thumb and a finger while a number of pellets also lodged in his abdomen after he was shot last April.