Former Clare hurler Niall Gilligan accused of repeatedly beating 12-year-old boy with stick

Boy and his friend were exploring building owned by Mr Gilligan when assault took place, court told

Niall Gilligan denies assaulting the boy with a wooden stick and he has pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault causing harm.

A jury was told on Wednesday that former All-Star and Clare All-Ireland winning hurler, Niall Gilligan “whacked” a 12-year-old boy on the leg with a stick during an an alleged assault in October 2023.

At Ennis Circuit Court, counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL, laid out the State case against Mr Gilligan, 48, of Rossroe, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, in her opening speech to the jury.