Former Clare All-Ireland winning hurler Niall Gilligan to face 'ground rules' hearing ahead of assault trial

Pre-trial hearing due to the ages of complainant and witnesses in the case, court told

Niall Gilligan, 48, of Rosroe, Sixmilebridge, denies the assault causing harm of a then 12-year-old boy during an alleged 'stick' assault.

A judge has directed a pre-trial "ground rules" hearing is to take place next month concerning the upcoming assault trial of former All Star and Clare All-Ireland winning hurler Niall Gilligan due to the age of the complainant in the case.

At Ennis Circuit Court on Tuesday, Judge Francis Comerford confirmed the pre-trial "ground-rules" hearing is to take place before the assault trial, which is anticipated to commence in July.