Cork murder trial sent to Central Criminal Court

A man accused of murdering another man in Cork city last May had the case against him sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court today.

Michael O’Driscoll (aged 34), of no fixed address and of Lower Killeens, Blarney, Co Cork, is accused of murdering Patrick Walsh at 62 Fair Hill Drive, Cork, on May 27 last, contrary to common law.

The 27-year-old victim was a father of one and he died at his own home. A book of evidence was served yesterday on O’Driscoll. Inspector Denis O’Shea applied to have the case sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.

It is now a matter for that court to set a date for hearing of the case. It could be much later this year before the case is listed for trial.

When O’Driscoll was arrested a month ago and brought to Gurranabraher Garda Station, where he was charged and cautioned that he did not have to make a reply but that whatever he would say could be taken down in writing and given in evidence. He made no response.

Frank Buttimer represents the accused on free legal aid as the defendant was unemployed.

Judge Con O’Leary remanded O’Driscoll in custody to the Central Criminal Court.

O’Driscoll is the second man to be charged with the murder of Patrick Walsh. Frank Cunningham (aged 19), from 71 Bridevalley View, Fairhill, Cork, was also charged with the same murder last year.