Dual All-Ireland winner appears in court

Dual All-Ireland winning star Teddy McCarthy was accused today of being threatening or abusive and assaulting a man in the early hours of New Year's Day.

McCarthy of 37 Woodbrook, Castlejane, Glanmire, Co Cork, replied, "Not guilty" when he appeared at Cork District Court for the first time today.

He is accused of assaulting Derek Duffy and engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour that could have led to a breach of the peace at Crestfield Centre, Glanmire, at 1.10am on January 1.

McCarthy, 38, said through his solicitor, Michael Malone, that he was ready to contest the case in court today.

However, Inspector Martin Dorney said that in the State prosecution brought by Garda Padraig Byrnes, they were not ready to proceed because the main witness for the prosecution, the alleged injured party, Derek Duffy, was out of the country.

Inspector Dorney said that the State was seeking one adjournment to try to secure the attendance of Derek Duffy.

He said that if they could not do that, they would "take a certain course" on the next occasion.

Mr Malone, solicitor, said Mr Duffy was not in the country but the defence was ready to deal with the case.

Judge Con O'Leary adjourned the matter to Cork District Court on October 22, peremptorily against the State.

In other words, if the State is not in a position to proceed on October 22 it is likely that the case will be dismissed against McCarthy.

Teddy McCarthy made GAA history in 1990 by becoming the first winner of All-Ireland hurling and football medals.

He also won and All-Ireland hurling medal in 1986 and he has three All-Ireland under-21 medals.