GAA star ‘cynically avoided service’ of proceedings

Dublin football star Diarmuid Connolly “acted despicably,” and “cynically avoided service” on him of personal injuries proceedings alleging he assaulted Anthony Kelly five years ago, the Circuit Civil Court heard yesterday.

Mr Kelly’s solicitor, Robert Dore, said Mr Connolly had “brutally assaulted” Mr Kelly in McGowan’s pub, Phibsborough, in August 2012 and later pleaded guilty in the district court to a criminal charge under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Mr Dore told Judge Jacqueline Linnane that, arising out of “this vicious assault”, Mr Connolly had been prosecuted in the district court .