Prosecution closes case in Geoghegan murder trial

The prosecution has closed its case in the trial of Limerick man John Dundon, who is accused of murdering rugby player Shane Geoghegan almost five years ago.

The 30-year-old, from Hyde Road in Limerick, is on trial at the Special Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to murdering the Garryowen player on Nov 9, 2008.

Mr Geoghegan, aged 28, was gunned down in a case of mistaken identity as he returned home to his girlfriend in Dooradoyle, Limerick, at around 1am. He died of gunshot wounds to his head and trunk just metres from his home at Clonmore, Kilteragh.

Two sisters, Lisa and April Collins, have testified that they heard Mr Dundon plan the killing of another man, John McNamara, shortly before Mr Geoghegan was murdered.

April Collins also testified that Mr Dundon panicked when he heard that the wrong man had been killed just hours after Mr Geoghegan was shot dead.

The court heard yesterday that the State case had now closed and that the trial had entered the defence stage.

The three judges were told that Mr Dundon would not be called to give evidence, but that his legal team was planning to call other witnesses.

Brendan Nix, defending, said he planned to call two witnesses who are in the custody of the State: Nathan Killeen and Liam ‘Lika’ Casey.

After checking with the relevant authorities, it was confirmed that they would give their evidence today.

Mr Nix had also made a request to recall April Collins to put another question to her. However, the judges did not allow this.