Hurling Star Accused of Assaulting Boy

Witness Testifies to Stick Attack at Abandoned Hostel

A young witness has recounted hearing his 12-year-old friend’s screams as former All-Star hurler Niall Gilligan allegedly struck him with a stick. The harrowing testimony was presented to a jury at Ennis Circuit Court on Thursday.

Allegations of Stick Attack

In a videoed interview with gardaí, the boy described seeing a man, later identified as **Mr Gilligan**, attack his friend with a “smooth, wooden stick kind of a thing.” The witness confirmed that a photograph of **Mr Gilligan** shown to him by his father matched the assailant.

The incident allegedly occurred at the Jamaica Inn hostel in Sixmilebridge on October 5th, 2023. The two 12-year-old boys had been exploring the abandoned property after 5 pm. **Mr Gilligan**, 48, of Rossroe, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, has pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm with a stick.

Terrified Escape

The young witness told gardaí that as he and his friend attempted to leave the building, they encountered a “tall, kind of strong-looking” man holding a stick, prompting them to flee. His friend reportedly slipped, and the accused then began to strike him with the object.

“I thought he was getting back up but then I just heard the screams out of him, getting attacked by the man and a bat hitting off of him and then I ran around the corner into this industrial estate and I hid.”

—Boy Witness

The witness described his feelings as “terrified,” and his sole focus was on escaping. He recalled his friend’s pleas, stating, “I heard him shouting, like I heard him screaming, like, telling him to stop. My friend telling him to f**k off and to leave him alone, that was about it.”

Injuries and Fear

After hiding in a nearby industrial estate, the boy observed his friend rejoining him, visibly injured and in pain. His friend was limping and appeared to be holding a broken wrist, with significant swelling.

The injured boy was described as “very shaky” and in considerable distress, telling his friend, “it just hurts everywhere.” He also warned his friend to go home, fearing the attacker might target him as well.

Research indicates that children exposed to violence can suffer significant psychological distress, with long-term impacts on their mental health. The World Health Organization notes that early exposure to violence is a major risk factor for anxiety and depression later in life (WHO, 2023).

Further Testimony

The boy identified **Mr Gilligan** as an auctioneer in Sixmilebridge and recalled seeing him play hurling for Clare in the past. The cross-examination of the witness on his video evidence continued on Thursday before the jury of seven men and five women.