Paul "Babs" Connolly, was attacked after going on a stag night in Athlone.
A Man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Paul "Babs" Connolly, who was attacked after going on a stag night in Athlone nearly four years ago.
Mr Connolly (48), a single man from Edenderry, Co. Offaly, was seriously injured on Church Street in the Co. Westmeath town in the early hours of August 13, 2022. Sean Munnelly (39), of Irishtown, Athlone, was charged with the unlawful killing of the victim and has been in custody on remand since a day after the incident.
Munnelly pleaded guilty when he appeared before Judge Cephas Power at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday.
Judge Power adjourned the case until October 6 for facts and sentencing. He also directed the preparation of a victim impact statement and remanded Munnelly in continuing custody.
An earlier bail hearing in the District Court was told that another man had initially attacked Mr Connolly with kicks and blows.
Detective Sergeant Kevin Craig had said Mr Munnelly got involved in the ongoing altercation and tried to "broker peace", but Mr Connolly would not accept his hand.
The deceased, who came from a family of 12, had attempted to leave the area of Church Street and return to his hotel, but Mr Munnelly allegedly followed and struck Mr Connolly "before he went to the ground" and "never regained consciousness".
The incident had two sections, "minutes apart," and gardaí harvested CCTV footage from the vicinity.
In December 2023, construction worker David Higgins, then aged 20, of St Paul's Terrace, Athlone, was jailed for one year after he pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Mr Connolly and engaging in violent disorder during the first stage of the altercation.
Doctor Admits Careless Driving Causing Death Of Six Year Old Daughter In Midlands Crash.
Laois Festival Named One Of Ireland’s Most Photogenic Festival
Mark Glennon Appointed General Manager Of Westmeath Hotel
€100k Awarded To Youth Project In Laois
Catherine Fitzgerald Elected Cathaoirleach Of Laois County Council.
Bill Collentine Elected Cathaoirleach Of Westmeath County Council.
Gardaí Searching For Missing Midlands Man
Cabinet To Sign Off On Overhaul For Rural And Gaeltacht Housing
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Expected To Reach 10,000
Three Laois Men Fined Thousands After Illegal Removal Of Native Hedgerow
All Aboard! Electric Picnic Reveals Salty Dog Lineup
Westmeath Council Introduces New Rent Rules For Carers
Fuel Excise Cuts Extended Until September
Man Arrested In Laois Pleads Guilty Of Terrorist Plot On Galway Mosque
Teenager Dies Following Carlow Crash Overnight
Tributes Pouring In For Westmeath Malaga Victims
Enterprise Minister Defends Higher Hotel VAT Rate
Laois Man Crash Victim To Be Laid To Rest Tomorrow
Laois Council Seeks Inclusion In 'Living City' Initiative
Westmeath Man Named Supreme Milk Quality Champion