Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 5743Assault causing harm · Co. Cork · 24 Sep 2023

Assault charge against Macroom GAA club chairman dismissed in district court

Noel Twomey, a 55-year-old man from Macroom, Co. Cork, and former county footballer and GAA club chairman, was charged with assault causing harm of Daniel O'Leary, the coach of the Macroom senior football team. The incident took place at TP Cotter's bar in Macroom on 24 September 2023, after Macroom had won a relegation game. Twomey admitted punching O'Leary and said he acted in self-defence, and CCTV of the incident was shown to Macroom District Court. The charge was dismissed after trial at Macroom District Court, where the judge had reasonable doubt about what occurred, as reported on 6 June 2024.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Acquitted6 Jun
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Noel Twomey admitted punching Daniel O'Leary but said he acted in self-defence.
  • Prosecutors said Twomey punched O'Leary in the head, with one account saying twice, and the incident was captured on CCTV.
Where
The incident took place at TP Cotter's bar in Macroom, Co. Cork.
When
The incident occurred on 24 September 2023, after Macroom had won a relegation game.
Cause
Twomey said he struck O'Leary because he feared he was about to be attacked.
Investigation
Detective Garda Alan O'Sullivan showed CCTV footage of the incident to the court.
Charges
Noel Twomey, 55, was charged with assault causing harm of Daniel O'Leary.
In court
  • The case was heard at Macroom District Court.
  • The judge had reasonable doubt about what occurred and dismissed the charge.
Other details
  • Daniel O'Leary is the coach of the Macroom senior football team.
  • Twomey said he phoned O'Leary a few days later to apologise.
  • The dismissal of the charge was reported on 6 June 2024.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatNoel Twomey admitted punching Daniel O’Leary but said he acted in self-defence. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatProsecutors said Twomey punched O’Leary twice in the head, and the incident was captured on CCTV. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe incident took place at TP Cotter’s bar in Macroom. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe incident occurred on 24 September 2023. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeTwomey said he struck O’Leary because he feared he was about to be attacked. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationA Garda showed CCTV footage of the incident to the court. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeNoel Twomey was charged with assault causing harm of Daniel O’Leary. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe assault charge was dismissed in the district court. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe judge had a reasonable doubt about what occurred and dismissed the case. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherTwomey said he phoned O’Leary a few days later to apologise. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 6 Jun2024
    Acquittedirishmirror.ie, first report
    Assault case against former county footballer in row with club manager dismissed

    Reports the dismissal of the assault charge after the trial at Macroom District Court; the defendant admitted punching the victim but claimed self-defence.

    accused, Noel Twomey, 55, male, named, irish (judged from name)Noel Twomeyvictim, Daniel O'Leary, male, irish (judged from name)Daniel O'Leary