A Mullingar Shamrocks player accused of breaking an opponent’s jaw in a football match will have to wait until September to find out whether he is to face trial or not.
Appearing in the District Court in Athlone this week (July 24 ) was Keith Moore (26 ), with an address at Valley Bungalows, Mullingar who is being charged with a Section 3 assault causing harm.
It is alleged that at halftime in a division three league match between Mullingar Shamrocks and Moate All Whites in Hogan Park, Moate on May 31, 2012 the Mullingar defender struck Moate forward Niall Mackey in the face, breaking his jaw, and knocking out a number of teeth.
“Mr Quinn, is this not a regular occurrence on a GAA pitch?” Judge Seamus Hughes asked Mr Padraig Quinn, acting for Mr Eddie Tynan, of Larkin Tynan Solicitors, Mullingar.
“Judge, I thought it was compulsory,” deadpanned Mr Quinn, a well-known soccer fan.
As the State did not have its book of evidence ready, nor was there evidence given of a plea being entered, Judge Hughes remanded Moore on continuing bail to appear again at Athlone District Court on September 18 for a plea or a date.
