Man charged with attempted murder of doctor in stabbing at Dublin HSE clinic

The 65-year-old appeared before Dublin District Court after the doctor was stabbed at the Ushers Island facility on Friday

Fionnbarra Ó Tuama appeared before Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court on Saturday morning. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

A 65-year-old man has been charged with the attempted murder of a doctor who was seriously injured in a stabbing at a Health Service Executive (HSE) facility in Dublin on Friday morning.

The incident occurred at around 9am at a Dublin 8 facility that operates daily and predominantly provides care for people in the homeless sector with mental health issues.

Fionnbarra Ó Tuama, of George’s Hill Apartments, Halston Street, Dublin 7, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with attempting to murder Dr Kevin Kilbride on October 30 at the HSE Daycare Medical Clinic 9, Ushers Island, Dublin 8.

He appeared before Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court on Saturday morning.

Detective Garda Mark Dennehy gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution, saying the accused "made no reply" when the offence was put to him shortly before 9pm on Friday.

Man remanded in custody

Due to the nature of the charge, the accused could not apply for bail at the District Court, as an application must be made to the High Court. He was therefore remanded in custody.

Mr Ó Tuama will appear before Cloverhill District Court on Wednesday. He has yet to indicate a plea.

Defence counsel Andrea Callan, instructed by solicitor Patrick Carty, told Judge Finan that she had explained the situation to her client. She added that a bail application would be made, but would have to be brought before another court.

Legal aid was granted. Ms Callan said her client was a suitable candidate, as he had lived in supported accommodation and received social welfare.

Judge Finan agreed that he met the eligibility threshold and granted a defence request for Mr Ó Tuama to receive psychiatric and medical attention in custody.

Dressed in a blue sweater, white trousers and black shoes, the accused sat silently throughout the two-minute hearing. He spoke only to his barrister to confirm his next court date before being led from the courtroom.

Clinic staff alerted emergency services, prompting a response from local gardaí based at Kevin Street station, along with members of the Garda Armed Support Unit.

The injured doctor, who is in his 50s and works within Dublin's homeless services, received immediate medical attention from gardaí at the scene before being taken by ambulance to St James’s Hospital, where he is receiving ongoing treatment for serious injuries.