Trial opens of man accused of assault night before horse fair in Offaly town

Jury told there is CCTV footage of alleged victim being kicked on ground in street

Published 21st Apr 2026, 14:00 BST Updated 30th Apr 2026, 10:02 BST Man has gone on trial at Tullamore Circuit Court Jury told there is CCTV footage of alleged victim being kicked on ground in street Sign up to our Offaly Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Offaly Live within your account.

A MAN has gone on trial at Tullamore Circuit Court after denying a charge of assaulting another man on the night before the Banagher Horse Fair nearly three years ago.

James Hogan Junior, Bolster Terrace, Mallow, Co Cork, pleaded not guilty last Friday to assaulting John Connors at Main Street, Banagher on September 17, 2023, causing him harm.

Opening the trial before a jury of nine men and three women today (Tuesday, April 21), Shane Geraghty, BL, prosecuting (instructed by Sandra Mahon, Offaly state solicitor), said CCTV footage would be shown which had been recorded by a resident of Main Street, Banagher in the early hours of the morning with a security camera which was connected to his phone.

The resident was awoken by a disturbance on the street and the recording was subsequently given to the gardai.

After that, a garda based in Mallow recognised Mr Hogan as the person responsible for perpetrating the assault.

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Mr Geraghty told the jurors they will hear that the accused man took off a jacket and underneath it was a distinctive orange coloured top.

The jury also heard they are likely to be told during the presentation of the evidence that Mr Hogan kicked the alleged injured party on the head and when he was on the ground.

The trial is continuing this afternoon before Judge Ronan Munro.

Mr Hogan is represented by David Nugent, BL (instructed by Cathal Lombard, solicitor, Cork).

Related topics: Offaly News Banagher Tullamore Circuit Court Sign up to our Offaly Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Offaly Live within your account.