Star hurler hit man after being goaded in pub, court hears

WATERFORD hurler John Mullane assaulted a pool player in a pub after being goaded by a group of men, including one who threatened to kill him, a court heard yesterday.

The former All-Star was playing pool with David Keating in the Pulpit Bar, Waterford, on St Stephen's Day, 2002. He admitted he snapped and struck him in the face while holding a pint glass in his hand.

The 25-year-old hurling forward had been taunted and goaded by several men for up to an hour before the incident, Waterford Circuit Court heard yesterday.