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. 8806Murder · Co. Waterford · 25 Jan 2025

Pathologist tells murder trial of Gillian Curran's injuries were not consistent with a fall

Marcus O'Neill, a 35-year-old man, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court in Waterford for the murder of Gillian Curran, a woman from Tramore. The alleged offence took place on 25 January 2025 at O'Brien Street in Waterford city. O'Neill has been charged with murder and has denied it. On 23 July 2026 the pathologist, Dr Heidi Okkers, told the trial that Ms Curran's injuries were not consistent with a fall, and the trial continues before a jury and Judge Caroline Biggs.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court1 Jul
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Gillian Curran, a woman from Tramore, is the victim in the murder trial.
Where
The alleged offence took place at O'Brien Street in Waterford city.
When
The alleged offence took place on 25 January 2025.
Cause
  • The pathologist said some of Ms Curran's injuries were not consistent with a fall, and O'Neill told emergency services she had fallen several times before falling down the stairs.
  • The prosecution contends the injuries resulted from a violent assault.
Other details
  • The pathologist, Dr Heidi Okkers, outlined extensive bruising, lacerations and abrasions across Ms Curran's body.
  • Ms Curran had struggled with alcohol addiction.
Charges
Marcus O'Neill, a 35-year-old man, has been charged with murder and denied the charge.
In court
  • The trial is being heard at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Waterford.
  • The jury has seven women and five men.
  • The trial continues before a jury and Judge Caroline Biggs.
  • The jury must decide whether the injuries happened by accident or through a violent assault.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe victim, Gillian Curran, was from Tramore. (thejournal.ie)
  • whereThe alleged offence happened at O’Brien Street in Waterford city. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenThe alleged offence happened on 25 January 2025. (thejournal.ie)
  • causeThe pathologist said some of the injuries were not consistent with a fall. (thejournal.ie)
  • causeO’Neill told emergency services that Ms Curran had fallen several times before falling down the stairs. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeMarcus O’Neill denied the murder. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe trial is being heard at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Waterford. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe jury has seven women and five men. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe trial continues before a jury and Judge Caroline Biggs. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe prosecution contends the injuries were the result of a violent assault. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherGillian Curran had struggled with alcohol addiction. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe jury must decide whether the injuries happened by accident or through a violent assault. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 1 Jul2026
    In courtthejournal.ie, first report
    Murder victim Gillian Curran's injuries 'not consistent with a fall', trial hears

    Trial report on the opening days of the murder trial of Marcus O’Neill, including pathologist evidence and the prosecution's position. No existing case in the list matches this trial.

    victim, Gillian Curran, female, irish (judged from name)Gillian Curranaccused, Marcus O'Neill, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)Marcus O'Neill