Two men appear in court accused of attempted murder in Tullamore

Two men have appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of attempted murder in Tullamore.

Patrick Ward (37) of 7 Kilcruttin, Tullamore, Co Offaly is charged with attempting to murder Anthony McDonagh at the unofficial halting site, Kilcruttin, Tullamore on March 21, 2025.

John Pio Ward (41) of Bay 6, Kilcruttin Halting Site, Tullamore, Co Offaly, is charged with the attempted murder Michael McDonagh at the same location on March 21, 2025.

Both men appeared before Judge Patricia Cronin at the vacation sittings of Portlaoise District Court.

Detective Garda Andrew Dolan gave evidence of charging Patrick Ward who he said made no reply after caution. He requested that the man be remanded in custody.

“A book of evidence is due to be served in Tullamore on the 3rd of September,” he told Judge Cronin.

She remanded the defendant in custody to appear again before Portlaoise District Court via video link on August 28.

David Nugent BL requested legal aid in the case and said his client had been in custody for the past five months. Judge Cronin granted legal aid.

A second Detective gave evidence in relation to John Pio Ward. He said the defendant made no reply to the charge after caution. He said a book of evidence would be ready in the case on September 3.

Judge Cronin said the district court couldn’t hear a bail application due to the serious nature of the charge. She remanded the defendant in custody to appear again before Portlaoise District Court via videolink on August 28.

Mr Nugent requested legal aid in the case. Judge Cronin granted legal aid and said it was a serious charge.