A 27-year-old man appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of Claregalway man Kieran Cunningham eight weeks ago.
Alexsander Nadwodny, a Polish national, of no fixed abode was brought before a special sitting of Galway District Court charged with the murder, contrary to common law, of the 20-year-old supermarket worker at Williamsgate Street on June 3 last.
Mr Cunningham from Slievefin, Claregalway, was stabbed a number of times moments after leaving a nightclub near Eyre Square.
He later died in University College Hospital, Galway. He was an employee of the Hughes SuperValu supermarket in Claregalway and his death caused great shock in the local community.
The incident happened in Galway at a time when the city was staging the only Irish stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race.
Giving evidence of arrest, charge, and caution Inspector Michael Coppinger said that he arrested the accused man at 10.32pm on Tuesday, July 28 and charged him with the murder.
The court heard that in reply to the caution Nadwodny had asked, “What can I say.”
Superintendent Tom Curley then made an application to have Nadwodny remanded in custody. Judge Mary Fahy granted the application and remanded the accused by consent to appear at Galway District Court on Tuesday next, August 4.
Defence solicitor Adrian MacLynn then made an application for legal aid.
The court heard that the accused, who had worked as a barman in the city, had earned €300 per week up until June 3 but was now unemployed.
Judge Fahy granted the application and certified the appointment of a Polish interpreter. There was no application for bail.
Nadwodny, who had been wanted for questioning since the incident took place, had been apprehended in Pearse Street, Dublin, last Monday evening and later that night he was driven to Galway Garda Station for questioning.
During the brief court proceedings Nadwodny, wearing a navy jumper, blue jeans, and runners, held his head low as more than 50 of Mr Cunningham’s close family and friends looked on.
He stayed in the courtroom while Kieran Cunningham’s family and friends exited. He was then taken through the front doors, and out of the courthouse.
Covering his face with a jumper, he was led to a waiting patrol car surrounded by members of the Gardai. He was followed to the car by a man who shouted insults at him.
