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. 8560Assault causing harm · Co. Limerick · 6 Apr 2019

Limerick man convicted of assault causing harm in Newcastle West attack

On the night of 6 April 2019, at about 4am, Paul O'Donoghue, a 40-year-old man from Limerick, followed a male friend outside a house at Oak Crescent in Newcastle West, Co Limerick, and struck him with a pool cue, breaking his jaw. O'Donoghue was arrested and charged on 26 May 2020. He has been in custody since 1 May 2026, and on 18 July 2026 a jury at Limerick Circuit Court convicted him of assault causing harm and production of an article. Sentencing is due on 27 July.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted18 Jul
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Paul O'Donoghue, aged 40, struck a male friend with a pool cue outside a house.
  • The victim's jaw was broken and he required surgery.
Where
The incident took place at a friend's house at Oak Crescent in Newcastle West, Co Limerick.
When
The incident happened at about 4am on the night of 6 April 2019.
Cause
O'Donoghue reportedly became suspicious that he was being talked about behind his back.
Weapon
The homeowner saw O'Donoghue holding a pool cue.
Investigation
O'Donoghue was arrested and charged on 26 May 2020.
Charges
O'Donoghue was charged with assault causing harm and production of an article.
In court
On 18 July 2026 a jury at Limerick Circuit Court found O'Donoghue guilty of assault causing harm and production of an article.
Sentence
The judge indicated she will pass sentence on 27 July.
Other details
  • O'Donoghue has been in custody since 1 May 2026, as reported by the sources.
  • O'Donoghue's address is given as Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatAt about 4am the accused followed the victim outside and struck him with a pool cue. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whatThe victim’s jaw was broken and surgery was required. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whereThe victim and the accused were at a friend’s house at Oak Crescent in Newcastle West. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on the night of 6 April 2019. (limerickleader.ie)
  • causeThe accused became suspicious that he was being talked about behind his back. (limerickleader.ie)
  • weaponThe homeowner saw the accused holding a pool cue. (limerickleader.ie)
  • chargePaul O’Donoghue was arrested and charged on 26 May 2020. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtPaul O’Donoghue was convicted by a jury of assault causing harm and production of an article at Limerick Circuit Court. (limerickleader.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge indicated she will pass sentence on 27 July. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe accused has been in custody since 1 May 2026. (limerickleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 18 Jul2026
    Convictedlimerickleader.ie, first report
    Limerick man found guilty by jury following 'traumatic and life-changing' assault

    Reports the jury conviction of Paul O’Donoghue and that sentencing is due on 27 July. Gives details of the 2019 attack, including a pool cue and the victim’s injuries.

    convicted, Paul O'Donoghue, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)Paul O'Donoghuevictim, male