GAA star to make donation after player assault

Terminally-ill patients could benefit from a €10,000 donation made by an All Ireland-winning footballer to avoid a criminal conviction for breaking the jaw of another player, it emerged tonight.

James McCartan, aged 33, from Banbridge, Co Down, is to pay the money to the Portlaoise Lions Club, a charity nominated by his victim, Westmeath footballer Kenneth Larkin.