GAA assault accused 'was protecting another player'

A GAA player has told a jury he came on to the pitch during an intermediate football league game to protect a younger player.

Mr Ronan Mullins (aged 28) of Wheatfield Road, Palmerstown, was giving evidence in his defence on day two of his trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting an opposing team member

He has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Mr Damian Flanagan, causing him harm at Glenaulin Park, Palmerstown, on June 19, 2003.

Mr Mullins, a substitute for St Patrick’s of Palmerstown, allegedly ran onto the pitch during a "melée" in the second half of the match and punched the Fingal Ravens player in the face, breaking his nose.

He told Mr Sean Gillane BL, defending, that his 19-year-old team mate Mr Barry O’Hanlon was being "punched, pushed and kicked" by two Fingal players.

Mr Mullins denied a suggestion by prosecuting counsel, Mr Kerida Naidoo BL, that he ran on to the pitch as he wanted "a piece of the action" and is using a "concocted" story about protecting Mr O’Hanlon to put himself in a good light.

The hearing continues before Judge Bryan McMahon and a jury of three women and nine men.