Life for boxer who beat wife to death

A life sentence has been handed down to a 36-year-old “bare-knuckle boxer” for murdering his wife in an assault that lasted “one hour and 20 minutes” in their home in Dundalk.

Michael McDonagh of College Manor, Hoey’s Lane, Dundalk, Co Louth, yesterday pleaded guilty before the Central Criminal Court to the murder of his wife of 15 years, Jacqueline McDonagh, on August 29, 2012.

The court she had made several attempts to call her father. Her mobile phone was found under her body.