Geoghegan killing was the ‘worst in years’

The man accused of murdering Shane Geoghegan agreed with investigating gardaí that the killing was the worst crime the country had seen in years.

The Dublin man’s trial was hearing evidence of a dozen interviews conducted with him when he was arrested on suspicion of the murder.

Barry Doyle, aged 26, of Portland Row, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Geoghegan on Nov 9, 2008, at Clonmore, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle in Limerick. The 28-year-old Garryowen rugby player was shot near his home in a case of mistaken identity.

Detective Garda Mark Philips of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation told the Central Criminal Court he interviewed Mr Doyle a number of times following his arrest in Feb 2009.

The father of three told him and Det Gda Brian Hanley he had personal reasons for moving from Dublin to Limerick the previous year, but did not want to talk about them.

He was asked what he thought about the people who shot Mr Geoghegan.

“Vicious,” he replied. However, he denied any involvement and said he had never even seen a gun.

“This crime you’re arrested for is the worst this country has seen in years. Do you agree?” he was asked.

Mr Doyle said he did. He also agreed it would be a comfort to Mr Geoghegan’s family to know he was shot in a case of mistaken identity. He was asked what Mr Geoghegan screamed as he chased him.

“I didn’t chase him,” said Mr Doyle. “I wasn’t there.” He said he could see how it was hard for them to believe him.

During another interview, Det Garda Philips read extracts from an interview with Victoria Gunnery, the mother of Mr Doyle’s youngest child.

He said he could not remember being in touch with her before and immediately after the murder, but accepted it if she said he was.

He could not remember turning his phone off that night either, but again accepted he did if Ms Gunnery had said so.

The trial continues.