Man returned for trial for killing Clare neighbour

A 31-YEAR-OLD Clare man was yesterday returned for trial to the Central Criminal Court, charged with the murder of Ennis law student Eoin Ryan.

At Ennis District Court, Garda John Casey gave evidence of serving a two-volume Book of Evidence in the case on Joe Heffernan of Cappabeg, Barefield yesterday morning, before court.

Heffernan is charged with the murder of University of Limerick student Mr Ryan, aged 21, at Cappabeg on Tuesday, June 7.

When initially charged with the murder, Heffernan told gardaí that he had “killed the devil”. He is on remand at the Central Mental Hospital at Dundrum in Dublin and his presence in court has been excused six times since he was charged.

Yesterday, Heffernan was making his third appearance in court in relation to the charge.

His solicitor, also John Casey, applied for legal aid to cover a senior and junior counsel, stating that the case warrants two counsel. Judge Joseph Mangan granted legal aid for both counsel.

At a previous court sitting, Heffernan’s legal aid certificate was extended to allow a report on him by clinical forensic psychiatrist Dr Paul O’Connell of the Central Mental Hospital.

Heffernan stood up in court yesterday to hear Judge Mangan issue an alibi warning to him, stating that if an alibi formed any part of his defence, he should notify the prosecution within 14 days.

Inspector Michael Gallagher of Ennis Garda Station said that the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented that the case can be sent forward to the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Casey said his client could be further remanded in custody to the Central Mental Hospital on consent. Judge Mangan remanded him in custody to reappear before the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Ryan was buried on June 10 in Ballyea cemetery and is survived by parents Don and Phil, brother Daniel and sister Lisa.