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. 5530Murder · Co. Kerry · 5 Oct 2022

Prosecutor describes Co Kerry graveyard killing as 'honour killing' at murder trial

On 5 October 2022, Thomas 'Tom' Dooley, 43, a father of seven, was attacked as he attended a funeral at Rath Cemetery, Rathass, Tralee, Co Kerry, and the State says he died. Six accused, Patrick Dooley, 36, Thomas Dooley Senior, 43, Thomas Dooley Junior, 21, Michael Dooley, 29, Daniel Dooley, 42, and one other man, have each pleaded not guilty to murdering him at the Central Criminal Court in Cork. Thomas Dooley Junior is also charged with assault causing serious harm to Siobhán Dooley, the victim's widow. On Thursday 4 July 2024 the prosecution gave its closing speech, describing the killing as an honour killing linked to a broken-off relationship, and the defence closing speech for Patrick Dooley is due on Friday.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court4 Jul
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Thomas 'Tom' Dooley, aged 43, a father of seven, was attacked and the State says he died.
Where
The attack took place at Rath Cemetery, Rathass, Tralee, Co Kerry, as Mr Dooley attended a funeral.
When
The attack took place on 5 October 2022.
Cause
The prosecution says the motive was a broken-off relationship between the victim's daughter and one of the accused.
Weapon
The deceased was attacked by a group armed with bladed weapons, and a pathologist told the jury some injuries could have been caused by a machete-type weapon.
Other details
  • Mr Dooley suffered four stabbing injuries and was dying, if not already dead, when the accused men left the cemetery.
  • Siobhán Dooley, the widow, required 45 stitches and 30 staples for a wound sustained during the attack.
Investigation
Thomas Dooley Senior's DNA was recovered from the widow's fingernails.
Charges
  • Thomas Dooley Junior is charged with assault causing serious harm to Siobhán Dooley.
  • The six accused each pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Dooley, and the prosecution case is based on joint enterprise and common design against all six.
In court
  • The case is being tried at the Central Criminal Court at a sitting in Cork.
  • Prosecutor Dean Kelly SC gave the prosecution closing speech on Thursday 4 July 2024, describing the killing as an honour killing.
  • Defence counsel for Patrick Dooley is to give his closing speech to the jury on Friday.
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereMr Dooley was attacked as he attended a funeral in Tralee, Co Kerry. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe killing took place at Rath Cemetery, Rathass, Tralee, Co Kerry. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe attack took place on 5 October 2022. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeThe prosecution said the motive was a broken-off relationship between the victim's daughter and one of the accused. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponThe deceased was attacked by a group armed with bladed weapons. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponA pathologist told the jury some injuries could have been caused by a machete-type weapon. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThomas Dooley Senior's DNA was recovered from the widow's fingernails. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThomas Dooley Junior is charged with assault causing serious harm to Siobhán Dooley. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe six accused have each pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Dooley. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe prosecution case is based on joint enterprise and common design against all six accused. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe prosecution gave its closing speech in the Central Criminal Court trial at a sitting in Cork. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtDefence counsel for Patrick Dooley is to give his closing speech to the jury on Friday. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe deceased suffered a total of four stabbing injuries. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherMr Dooley was dying, if not already dead, when the accused men left the cemetery. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe widow required 45 stitches and 30 staples for a wound sustained during the attack. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 4 Jul2024
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Co Kerry graveyard ‘honour killing’ was as ‘heartbreaking as it was ridiculous and stupid’, trial hears

    Reports the prosecution's closing speech in the murder trial, including the motive, weapons, injuries, the not guilty pleas and the assault charge against Thomas Dooley Junior.

    victim, Thomas 'Tom' Dooley, 43, male, irish (judged from name)Thomas 'Tom' Dooleyvictim, Siobhán Dooley, female, irish (judged from name)Siobhán Dooleyaccused, Patrick Dooley, 36, male, named, irish (judged from name)Patrick Dooleyaccused, Thomas Dooley Senior, 43, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Dooley Senioraccused, Thomas Dooley Junior, 21, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Dooley Junioraccused, Michael Dooley, 29, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Dooleyaccused, Daniel Dooley, 42, male, named, irish (judged from name)Daniel Dooleyaccused, male