Witness identifies three men who ambushed car

A witness has identified three Longford men as having been part of a group of "40 lads" who ambushed his car and shot a family member as they drove to a wedding.

Hugh Nevin said he saw three of the five accused on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court around his car, including Robert Hannafin (aged 33) of Dublin Road, in Longford town, who he claimed hit him twice with a "pick handle" causing him to require a plate in his face and pins in his skull.

He told prosecuting counsel, Mr Eanna Mulloy SC, he was then stabbed in the back of the head with a two pronged pitchfork by William Hannafin (aged 66) of Shroid.

He said Tommy McGinley (aged 26) of Palace Drive, Ardnacasa was also part of the group who he said were armed with "slashhooks, bellhooks and machetes".

The three men, along with Patrick Hannafin (aged 62), of Dublin Road Longford, and Dennis McGinley (aged 44) of Woodlands, Abbeycartron, have pleaded not guilty to violent disorder at Dublin Road, Longford on August 30, 2006.

Denis McGinley has also denies assault causing harm to Ms Therese Nevin while William McGinley and Robert Hannafin have further pleaded not guilty to assaulting causing harm to Hugh Nevin.

The hearing continues before Judge Rory MacCabe and a jury of eight men and four women.