A Dublin county footballer is facing trial accused of assaulting a player during a GAA match.
Cormac Costello, 25, with an address at Lorcan Crescent in Santry, Dublin, faces a charge of assault causing harm to Naomh Mearnog Gaelic footballer Aodan Fee on July 6 last year.
It allegedly happened when Mr Costello was a spectator at a game at Naomh Mearnog’s pitch in Portmarnock, in north Co. Dublin.
The All-Ireland star had been charged in recent weeks and his case was listed before Dublin District Court yesterday/today (MON).
However, the All-Ireland star did not have to attend due to the impact of covid-19 on the operation of the courts.
Judge John Cheatle was furnished with a certificate with the details of arrest and the charging procedure.
He was also told that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed summary disposal, meaning the case should be dealt with at district court level, and not in the circuit court which has tougher sentencing powers.
(Image: ©INPHO/Oisin Keniry)
However, he deferred ruling on the issue of jurisdiction.
The court’s presenting sergeant had made enquiries and was informed some medical reports were still awaited.
Defence solicitor Robert Purcell said his client had been charged at a city-centre station and but the incident allegedly happened in Portmarnock.
Judge Cheatle adjourned the case to Swords District Court on September 14 next when the case will be listed for mention.
He noted that the trial venue has yet to be decided, the medical report was outstanding and he excused the accused from appearing on the next date.
Judge Cheatle acceded to a request from Mr Purcell to make an order for disclosure of video evidence, statements and medical reports.
Mr Costello has not yet indicated how he will plead.