Man charged with manslaughter of Paul 'Babs' Connolly from Offaly
A 36-year-old Athlone resident was today (Thursday) charged with the manslaughter of Offaly man Paul 'Babs' Connolly in Athlone in August.
Sean Munnelly, of Irishtown, Athlone, who is currently in custody in Castlerea prison, was brought before Mullingar District Court earlier today.
There he was charged by Sergeant Kevin Craig with the unlawful killing of Mr Connolly at Church Street, Athlone, on August 13 last.
Mr Munnelly had previously been charged with assault causing harm to Mr Connolly and with engaging in violent disorder at Church Street on August 13.
He is due to appear before Mullingar District Court by video link on December 1, and is then scheduled to appear before Athlone District Court on December 7.
The defendant's solicitor, Owen Carty, notified the State that an application for bail, on behalf of his client, would be made on December 7.
David Higgins (19), with an address at St Paul's Terrace, Athlone, was previously charged with assault causing harm to Paul Connolly and with engaging in violent disorder at Church Street, Athlone, on August 13.
When Mr Higgins' case came before Athlone District Court yesterday (Wednesday), Sergeant Paul McNally said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed that the matter should proceed by prosecution on indictment in the circuit court.
Describing the case as "complicated", Mr Higgins' solicitor, Mark Cooney, sought disclosure of evidence from the State.
Mr Higgins was then remanded on continuing bail to appear before Athlone District Court on January 18 next, when the book of evidence is due to be served.
The death of Paul 'Babs' Connolly occurred after an incident which resulted in Gardai being called to Church Street, Athlone, at 2.35am on August 13.
Mr Connolly, aged 47, from Assumption Road, Edenderry, was taken to Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe, where he was later pronounced dead.
A report on the case has been prepared by Dr Margot Bolster of the State pathologist's office.
CCTV footage from the Church Street area at the time of the incident has also been gathered by Gardai.