Two youths charged with murder

Two youths appeared in court yesterday charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old man in north Dublin last September.

James Donaghue, from Coolock, in Dublin died after a row broke out outside his grandmother’s home where he had been attending a birthday party.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be identified because he is a juvenile, and Brian Joyce, aged 20, with an address at Carton Road, Poppentree, in Ballymun, in Dublin, were charged at the Dublin Children’s Court yesterday with the murder of James Donaghue, at Dane Road, in Ballymun, on September 10, last year.

They have also been charged with production of a knife and engaging in a violent disorder.

Ballymun Garda Michael Harkin told Judge Thomas Fitzpatrick that he arrested Mr Joyce yesterday morning. He was then taken to Ballymun station where he was charged.

He replied “nothing to say until I speak to my solicitor” when he was charged with murder. His replied “nothing to say” to the other charges.

Judge Fitzpatrick granted legal aid to Mr Joyce who is unemployed. He remanded him in custody to St Patrick’s Institution to appear again next week.

Detective Garda Noeleen McKenna, of Ballymun Station, also told the court that she arrested the second defendant, the 17-year-old boy, yesterday morning. He made no reply to the charges.

The teenager, who was dressed in runners and a tracksuit, spoke briefly to confirm his name and age. He was accompanied to court by his guardian and relatives.

Judge Fitzpatrick granted legal aid to the teenager and also remanded him in custody to St Patrick’s Institution.