Breaking News: Accused Tells Cork Murder Trial Jury He Was Covering for Former Partner

A dramatic day at the Central Criminal Court has placed this case firmly among the most closely watched breaking news ireland developments, after a man accused of murder told jurors that his former partner was responsible for the fatal attack. In one of the latest courtroom developments to feature in irish breaking news coverage, the accused said he stayed silent because he believed she was pregnant with his child.

Daniel Hourigan, 33, originally from Farranree in Cork city, is charged with the murder of 61-year-old Michael Foley. The court heard that Mr Foley, a native of west Cork, was living in a Housing First property at Annville, Barrett’s Place, Macroom, Co Cork. He was discovered dead by a care worker on February 6th, 2024. Hourigan has denied the charge.

What the jury heard in the Cork murder trial

Giving evidence in his own defence, Hourigan told the jury that he and his then partner, Linda O’Flynn, went to Mr Foley’s home on January 31st, 2024 and stayed there overnight. According to his account, he woke during the night to noise inside the house and went to investigate.

He said he then saw O’Flynn in a distressed state and found Mr Foley on the floor in a pool of blood. Hourigan told the court he asked for an ambulance to be called, but claimed O’Flynn refused. He said he tried to move Mr Foley onto a sofa, placed a cushion under his head and checked for signs of life, believing there was still a faint pulse.

Hourigan further claimed that while he began wiping the floor, O’Flynn was placing items into a black bag. He told jurors that she had left the property by the time he returned from washing his hands, and that he later met her at the end of the road before the pair boarded a bus back to Cork city.

Why the accused says he did not go to gardaí immediately

In evidence, Hourigan said he was overwhelmed and trying to protect O’Flynn because he believed she was carrying his baby. He also told the court that Mr Foley had agreed to be the godfather of that unborn child. He denied any involvement in the killing and said plainly that he played “no part or role” in Mr Foley’s death.

The court also heard that O’Flynn is not on trial in these proceedings.

Key points from his evidence

• He said Mr Foley was related to him through marriage.
• He told jurors he had previously stayed in Mr Foley’s home for several weeks in 2023.
• He claimed he saw the aftermath of the attack rather than carrying it out.
• He said he left the scene with O’Flynn and travelled to Cork by bus.
• He told the jury he stayed quiet because he believed he was protecting her.

Prosecution challenges account during cross-examination

During cross-examination, prosecuting counsel Jane Hyland challenged Hourigan on a number of issues, including why he gave what were described as different versions of events to gardaí. The prosecution also questioned why no ambulance was called for a man he described as being like an uncle to him.

Hourigan responded that O’Flynn had possession of the phone. He was also asked why he was holding hands with her on the bus if, as he claimed, she had just committed the killing. He said she had taken his hand and that he was in shock.

Another significant point raised in court concerned drug addiction. Hourigan said that by the time he got on the bus, his focus had shifted to getting his next drugs fix rather than contacting emergency services, telling the jury that his addiction was severe.

The prosecution also put it to him that the injuries sustained by Mr Foley were inflicted by someone with strength. Hourigan rejected the suggestion that he caused those injuries. He further claimed he later received a threatening phone call from an unidentified person warning him to keep O’Flynn out of the matter.

What happens next

The trial is continuing before Judge Siobhan Lankford and a jury made up of six men and six women. Further evidence and legal submissions are expected when proceedings resume on Tuesday.

Why this case is drawing close attention

This courtroom testimony has become a major part of breaking news ireland coverage because it raises serious questions about credibility, delay in contacting emergency services, and conflicting accounts given during the investigation. For readers following ireland breaking news, ireland news today, and wider irish news today updates, the case stands out as one of the most closely watched court proceedings in Cork. As this breaking news ireland story develops, the jury’s assessment of Hourigan’s evidence will be central to the outcome.

FAQs

Who is on trial?

Daniel Hourigan, 33, is on trial charged with the murder of Michael Foley. He denies the allegation.

What did he tell the jury?

He said his former partner carried out the attack and that he tried to protect her afterward.

Where did the incident happen?

The incident relates to a property at Annville, Barrett’s Place in Macroom, Co Cork.

Is the former partner also on trial?

No. The court heard that Linda O’Flynn is not a party to this trial.

What is the current status of the case?

The trial is ongoing and is due to continue on Tuesday.