Macroom murder trial: Jury has not yet reached verdict and will resume deliberations on Monday

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

Fri, 17 Jul, 2026 - 17:06

Liam Heylin

Jury deliberations in the Macroom murder trial will go into their third day on Monday, July 20, as the six men and six women have so far not reached a verdict in the case.

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 at Annville, Barrett’s Place, Macroom.

Ms Justice Siobhán Lankford reminded the jury Mr Hourigan had already pleaded guilty to preventing another person being caught, so they 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 and Friday. They will resume their deliberations on Monday morning at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork.

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.

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 Daniel Hourigan’s palmprint was found in the house in the blood of the deceased.