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. 7198Murder · Co. Dublin · 20 Jul 2017

Murder trial of Martin Hayes over death of Amadea McDermott in Coolock

Amadea McDermott, a woman, died at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock, Dublin, on or about 20 July 2017. Martin Hayes (34), of Poddle Close, Crumlin, Dublin 12, has pleaded not guilty to her murder. On 2 November 2023 he gave evidence at the Central Criminal Court, telling the jury he did not stab her to death and denying that he confessed to a later partner. The trial continues before a jury, with closing speeches to follow.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court2 Nov
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Martin Hayes is charged with murdering Amadea McDermott, a woman.
Where
Amadea McDermott was at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock, Dublin.
When
Amadea McDermott died on or about 20 July 2017.
Cause
Mr Hayes told emergency services that Ms McDermott had stabbed herself, but told the jury he did not stab her to death.
Other details
  • Mr Hayes said he rang emergency services three times and held a towel on the wound.
  • Mr Hayes told the court he threw Ms McDermott into a sofa after she would not let him go to work.
  • Mr Hayes described the relationship with Ms McDermott as toxic.
  • Mr Hayes denied confessing to a later partner, Niamh Higgins, that he had stabbed Ms McDermott, and said she was lying and hated him.
Charges
Mr Hayes has pleaded not guilty to murder.
In court
The trial is before the Central Criminal Court and continues before a jury, with closing speeches to follow.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMr Hayes told the jury he did not stab the victim to death. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe victim was at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe death happened on or about 20 July 2017. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeMr Hayes told emergency services the victim had self-harmed by stabbing herself. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeMr Hayes has pleaded not guilty to murdering Amadea McDermott. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe trial is before the Central Criminal Court and continues before a jury. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherMr Hayes said he rang emergency services three times and held a towel on the wound. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherMr Hayes told the court he threw the victim into a sofa after she would not let him go to work. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherMr Hayes described the relationship with the victim as toxic. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherMr Hayes denied confessing to a later partner that he had stabbed the victim. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 2 Nov2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Grave digger tells murder trial jury he did not stab partner to death

    Reports the accused's evidence at the Central Criminal Court, including his denial of stabbing the victim, his account of the relationship, and his denial of a confession to a later partner. The trial continues before a jury with closing speeches to follow.

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