GAA star McCartan pays out over assault

Former All-Ireland winning footballer James McCartan today paid €10,000 to charity to avoid a criminal conviction for breaking the jaw of another footballer.

The 33-year-old from Banbridge, Co Down was found guilty last November of assaulting Kenneth Larkin, 21, during a challenge match between Down and Westmeath in May 2003.

At Dublin District Court, prosecuting garda Sgt Gerard Feeney confirmed €10,000 had been paid by McCartan to Portlaoise Lions Club. The charity had been nominated by Larkin, who is stationed as a garda in Portlaoise.

Judge Haughton dismissed the case under the Probation Act.

Neither Larkin nor McCartan appeared in court for the brief hearing.