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. 0709Manslaughter · Co. Westmeath · 13 Aug 2022

Seán Munnelly pleads guilty to manslaughter of Paul Connolly at Athlone stag party

Paul 'Babs' Connolly, 48, from Edenderry, died on 13 August 2022 on Church Street, Athlone, after being assaulted during a stag party. Seán Munnelly, 37, of Irishtown, Athlone, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Mullingar Circuit Court on 30 June 2026. His co-accused, David Higgins, of St Paul's Terrace, Athlone, was jailed for one year in 2023 for assault causing harm and violent disorder. Munnelly was returned to custody and his sentencing is set for 6 October 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted30 Jun
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Paul 'Babs' Connolly, 48, from Edenderry, was killed during a stag party.
Where
The killing occurred on Church Street, Athlone, County Westmeath.
When
The incident took place on 13 August 2022.
Cause
All parties to the assault had been intoxicated.
Investigation
The attack was captured by CCTV cameras.
Other details
  • Connolly fell to the ground, got up, was dragged by Higgins, landed a number of blows, and tried to reach his hotel but was not allowed entry.
  • Gardaí found Connolly unresponsive on the ground with a female nurse trying to revive him.
  • Higgins was not known to Munnelly.
Charges
Seán Munnelly, 37, of Irishtown, Athlone, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Mullingar Circuit Court on 30 June 2026.
In court
  • David Higgins, of St Paul's Terrace, Athlone, was jailed for one year in 2023 for assault causing harm and violent disorder.
  • Munnelly's sentencing is set for 6 October 2026 before Judge Cephas Power, with counsel asking for two hours to examine CCTV footage.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe killing occurred on Church Street, Athlone, on 13 August 2022. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe attack was captured by CCTV cameras. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe plea was heard at Mullingar Circuit Court before Judge Cephas Power. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMunnelly's sentencing is set for 6 October 2026. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtCounsel for Munnelly said good-quality CCTV footage would be examined at the sentencing hearing and asked for two hours to be set aside. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherConnolly died while taking part in a stag party. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherJudge Keenan Johnson described the attack as reprehensible, dangerous and offensive. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherConnolly fell to the ground but got up, and was also dragged by Higgins. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherConnolly, from Edenderry, managed to land a number of blows and tried to get to the hotel where he was staying, but was not allowed entry. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherGardaí arrived and found Connolly unresponsive on the ground, with a female nurse trying to revive him. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherAll parties to the assault had been intoxicated. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherHiggins was not known to Munnelly. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 30 Jun2026
    Convictedirishtimes.com, first report
    Guilty plea over manslaughter of Co Offaly man who died during stag party in Athlone

    First report of the guilty plea; details of the assault, the co-accused's 2023 sentence, and sentencing arrangements provided.

    victim, 48, male, irish (judged from name)convicted, Seán Munnelly, 37, male, named, irish (judged from name)Seán Munnellyconvicted, David Higgins, male, named, irish (judged from name)David Higgins