Thursday 29 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. 9443Assault causing harm · Co. Kildare · 10 Dec 2023

Charge dismissed against Monasterevin campsite shovel assault accused

Michael Cash alleges that Joe Sweeney (32, of Kill Hill Campsite, Monasterevin, Co Kildare) hit him on the head with a small shovel on 10 December 2023. Cash's account places the assault at his home, while the key facts place it at Kill Hill Campsite. Gardaí arrested Sweeney on March 24, and he was charged with assault causing harm and producing a garden shovel, which he denied at Portlaoise District Court. Judge Andrew Cody dismissed the charge, as reported on 23 May 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Acquitted23 May
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Joe Sweeney, aged 32, was charged with assault causing harm and producing a garden shovel against Michael Cash.
Where
The key facts place the alleged assault at Kill Hill Campsite in Monasterevin, Co Kildare, but Michael Cash told the court he was at home in bed when it occurred.
When
The alleged assault took place on 10 December 2023.
Cause
Counsel said there was a feud between the two families.
Weapon
Michael Cash said he was hit on the head with a small shovel.
Investigation
  • Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said no medical report was available in relation to any injuries.
  • Garda Monaghan said no shovel was recovered.
  • Garda Monaghan said he arrested the accused on March 24.
Charges
Joe Sweeney denied assaulting Michael Cash, causing him harm and producing a garden shovel.
In court
  • The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court, where Joe Sweeney gave evidence denying any assault on Michael Cash.
  • Defence counsel said there were a number of reasonable doubts about the prosecution.
Sentence
Judge Andrew Cody dismissed the charge, as reported on 23 May 2026.
Other details
Judge Andrew Cody granted legal aid for counsel.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe alleged assault took place at Kill Hill Campsite in Monasterevin. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged assault took place on 10 December 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeCounsel said there was a feud between the two families. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • weaponMichael Cash said he was hit on the head with a small shovel. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGarda Sergeant Jason Hughes said there was no medical report available in relation to any injuries. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGarda Monaghan said no shovel was recovered. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGarda Monaghan said he arrested the accused on March 24. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeJoe Sweeney denied assaulting Michael Cash and causing him harm and producing a garden shovel. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJoe Sweeney gave evidence denying any assault on Michael Cash. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtDefence counsel said there were a number of reasonable doubts about the prosecution. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Andrew Cody dismissed the charge and granted legal aid for counsel. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 23 May2026
    Acquittedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Portlaoise court told man hit over the head with garden shovel

    Court report on the trial of Joe Sweeney. The judge dismissed the charge of assault causing harm and production of a garden shovel. Garda evidence says no shovel was recovered and no medical report was available.

    accused, Joe Sweeney, 32, male, named, irish (judged from name)Joe Sweeneyvictim, Michael Cash, male, irish (judged from name)Michael Cash