Macroom murder trial: Jury to continue deliberations on Friday

Jury told they have two verdicts open to them — whether Daniel Hourigan is guilty of murder or not guilty of murder

Daniel Hourigan, who is originally from Farranree in Cork City, pleaded not guilty to murder. Picture: Denis Boyle

Jury deliberations in the Macroom murder trial went on throughout Thursday and will continue on Friday.

33-year-old Daniel Hourigan, who is originally from Farranree in Cork City, denies the murder of 61-year-old Michael Foley on February 1, 2024, at his home in Annville, Barrett’s Place, Macroom.

Ms Justice Siobhán Lankford said Mr Hourigan had already pleaded guilty to preventing another person being caught so the jury did not need to concern themselves with that.

“You have two verdicts open to you. The only job you have is to decide whether he is guilty of murder or not guilty of murder. Your decision must be unanimous,” Ms Justice Lankford said.

The six men and six women deliberated for a very short period on Wednesday and then continued throughout Thursday. They will resume their deliberations on Friday morning at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork.

The prosecution case is that Michael Foley was murdered on February 1, 2024, at his home at Annville, Barrett’s Place, Macroom.

Daniel Hourigan’s then girlfriend Linda O’Flynn, who is originally from the Hollyhill area of Cork, has been mentioned frequently throughout the trial. The jury were reminded Daniel Hourigan is the only person on trial and they do not need to concern themselves with her.

The trial commenced on July 1. Ray Boland, defence senior counsel, said the person Daniel Hourigan was trying to prevent being caught was Linda O’Flynn because he understood at the time she was pregnant with his child, but in fact she was not pregnant.

Jane Hyland, prosecution senior counsel, said he was not trying to protect Ms O’Flynn but he was trying to protect himself. She said he removed the murder weapon from the home of the deceased and that Daniel Hourigan’s palmprint was found in the house in the blood of the deceased.

Psychiatric nurse Ciara Harmon said Michael Foley moved into his home at Macroom in October 2022 and had the assistance of a care team, particularly in regard to his medical appointments and related matters. He was on medication for cardiovascular and stomach issues. 

She said he had some difficulties with alcohol and would drink Smirnoff vodka neat and then drink Lucozade when he woke up the next morning. His accommodation in Macroom was managed by the Simon Community through Cork County Council.