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. 7186Murder · Co. Dublin · 20 Jul 2017

Closing speeches in trial of Martin Hayes over murder of Amadea McDermott

Martin Hayes, 34, is charged with murdering Amadea McDermott, 27, a mother of two, at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock, Dublin, on or about July 20th, 2017. He told emergency services who arrived that Ms McDermott had stabbed herself, and he has pleaded not guilty. On November 3rd, 2023, closing speeches were delivered in his trial, with the prosecution calling his account an absolute lie and the defence saying the single stab wound could be consistent with self-harm. The judge will begin charging the jury of eight men and four women on Monday, before they deliberate.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court3 Nov
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Martin Hayes, 34, is charged with murdering Amadea McDermott, 27, a mother of two.
Where
The alleged murder took place at Ms McDermott's home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock, Dublin.
When
The alleged murder occurred on or about July 20th, 2017.
Cause
  • Ms McDermott died from a single stab wound to the abdomen.
  • The defence says the single stab wound could be consistent with self-harm, while the prosecution says Mr Hayes's account that she took her own life is an absolute lie.
Weapon
No DNA from Mr Hayes was found on the knife suspected of inflicting the fatal wound.
Investigation
  • Mr Hayes told emergency services who arrived at the home that Ms McDermott had self-harmed by stabbing herself.
  • The defence says Mr Hayes went to gardaí and to hospital on the night, which is consistent with his innocence.
Charges
Mr Hayes has been charged with murder and has pleaded not guilty.
In court
  • Closing speeches in the trial were delivered on November 3rd, 2023, with Sean Gillane SC giving the prosecution's speech.
  • The judge will begin charging the jury of eight men and four women on Monday before they deliberate.
Other details
Mr Hayes has an address at Poddle Close, Crumlin, Dublin 12.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMartin Hayes is charged with murdering Amadea McDermott. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe killing is alleged to have happened at Ms McDermott's home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe alleged murder was on or about July 20th, 2017. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeThe defence says the single stab wound to Ms McDermott's abdomen could be consistent with self-harm. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponNo DNA from Mr Hayes was found on the knife suspected of inflicting the fatal wound. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationMr Hayes told emergency services who arrived at the home that Ms McDermott had self-harmed by stabbing herself. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMr Hayes has pleaded not guilty to the charge. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge will begin charging the jury of eight men and four women on Monday before they deliberate. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe prosecution says Mr Hayes's account that Ms McDermott took her own life is absolutely a lie. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe defence says Mr Hayes went to gardaí and to hospital on the night, which is consistent with his innocence. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 3 Nov2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Claim by accused that partner took her own life an ‘absolute lie’, trial hears

    Trial report on closing speeches in the murder trial, with the jury to be charged on Monday. No existing case in the list matches this 2017 incident.

    accused, Martin Hayes, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)Martin Hayesvictim, Amadea McDermott, 27, female, irish (judged from name)Amadea McDermott