Man charged with Longford assault

A man has appeared in court charged in connection with an assault in Longford Town on New Year's Eve.

Twenty-four-year-old Martin McDonagh, with an address in Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, has been charged with assault causing harm to Noel Keegan on the Park Road in Longford.

The victim became seriously ill following the attack and died.

During today’s brief hearing, the court heard evidence from Sgt Paraic Jones of arrest, charge and caution. He told the court that when the accused was formally charged at Longford garda station last night, he made no reply.

Judge John Neilan granted McDonagh legal aid and remanded the 24-year-old in custody to Castlerea prison.

As the accused left the courtroom, the accused was taunted by a group of local people who were in court for today’s hearing.

He was taken away via the back entrance of the courthouse and will appear back in court on Tuesday.