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. 5778Assault · Co. Dublin · 31 Dec 2022

Diarmuid Connolly pleads guilty to assaulting two men in Santry, Dublin

On December 31st, 2022, at Shantalla Road in Santry, Dublin, Diarmuid Connolly (36) was accused of punching Stephen Grimes and Stephen Kiely and dragging Mr Kiely along the ground. Gardaí obtained CCTV from the area and took statements from both men identifying Connolly as the suspected offender. On 30 May 2024, Connolly pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court before Judge Michele Finan, who ordered €2,000 compensation and adjourned sentencing to 27 June. Sentencing has not yet been reported.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court30 May
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Connolly punched two men and dragged one of them along the ground.
Where
The assault took place at Shantalla Road in Santry, Dublin.
When
The assault happened on December 31st, 2022.
Cause
Mr Kiely alleged the assault was unprovoked.
Investigation
  • CCTV evidence from the area that night was obtained.
  • Stephen Grimes and Stephen Kiely made statements identifying Connolly as the suspected offender.
Charges
Connolly was accused of assaulting Stephen Grimes and Stephen Kiely.
In court
On 30 May 2024, Connolly appeared at Dublin District Court and pleaded guilty before Judge Michele Finan.
Sentence
  • The judge ordered Connolly to pay €2,000 compensation, reported as €1,000 to each complainant.
  • Sentencing was adjourned until 27 June.
Other details
  • The judge noted the two men suffered facial bruising and swelling.
  • The judge noted that Connolly had no recorded convictions.
  • Connolly is 36 years old and is described as a former Dublin GAA star.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatConnolly punched two men and dragged one of them along the ground. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe assault happened at Shantalla Road in Santry, Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe assault happened on December 31st, 2022. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationCCTV evidence from the area that night was obtained. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeConnolly was accused of assaulting Stephen Grimes and Stephen Kiely. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtConnolly appeared at Dublin District Court to plead guilty. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe judge ordered Connolly to pay €2,000 compensation. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceSentencing was adjourned until June 27th. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe judge noted the two men suffered facial bruising and swelling. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe judge noted that Connolly had no recorded convictions. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 30 May2024
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Diarmuid Connolly pleads guilty to assault over ‘unprovoked’ New Year’s Eve attack

    Article reports Connolly's guilty plea at Dublin District Court on 30 May 2024, the adjournment of sentencing to 27 June, and compensation of €1,000 to each complainant.

    accused, Diarmuid Connolly, 36, male, named, irish (judged from name)Diarmuid Connollyvictim, Stephen Grimes, male, irish (judged from name)Stephen Grimesvictim, Stephen Kiely, male, irish (judged from name)Stephen Kiely