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. 5637Murder · Co. Kerry · 5 Oct 2022

Six men on trial for murder of Thomas Dooley at Kerry cemetery

Thomas Dooley, a 42-year-old father of seven, died after an altercation at New Rath Cemetery in Rathass, Tralee, Co Kerry, on October 5, 2022, as a woman was being buried. Six men are on trial at the Central Criminal Court in Cork for his murder: Patrick Dooley, 36; Daniel Dooley, 42; Thomas Dooley Snr, 43; Thomas Dooley Jnr, 21; Michael Dooley, 29; and a teenager who cannot be named for legal reasons. All six have pleaded not guilty to murder, and Thomas Dooley Jnr has also pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing harm to Siobhán Dooley. The trial, now in its third week, has heard evidence from State Pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis, and the case continues before Ms Justice Ring and a jury of 15, including three substitute members.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court19 Jun
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The altercation happened as a woman was being buried in the graveyard.
Where
The killing happened at New Rath Cemetery, Rathass, Tralee, Co Kerry.
When
The killing happened on October 5, 2022.
Cause
  • Thomas Dooley suffered two stab wounds, a chop wound of about 25cm and an incision wound.
  • The pathologist said the cause of death was sharp force injuries resulting in blood loss.
Weapon
Gardaí recovered a machete in grass next to the cemetery.
Investigation
A van driven by Patrick Dooley to Cork city was among the vehicles examined after the fatal incident.
Charges
  • Six men are on trial for the murder of Thomas Dooley.
  • All six accused have pleaded not guilty to the murder.
  • Thomas Dooley Jnr pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing harm to Siobhán Dooley.
In court
  • The trial is being heard at the Central Criminal Court in Cork and was in its third week at the time of the report.
  • The trial heard evidence from State Pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis.
  • The case continues before Ms Justice Ring and a jury of 15, including three substitute members.
Other details
Patrick Dooley is the brother of the late Thomas Dooley, and three of the other accused are first cousins of the deceased.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe altercation happened as a woman was being buried in the graveyard. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe killing happened at New Rath Cemetery in Rathass, Tralee. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe killing happened on October 5, 2022. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeThomas Dooley sustained two stab wounds, a chop wound and an incision wound. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeThe pathologist said the cause of death was sharp force injuries resulting in blood loss. (irishmirror.ie)
  • weaponGardaí recovered a machete in grass next to the cemetery. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationA van driven by Patrick Dooley to Cork city was among the vehicles examined after the fatal incident. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeSix men are on trial for the murder of Thomas Dooley. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeAll six accused have pleaded not guilty to the murder. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeThomas Dooley Jnr pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing harm to Siobhán Dooley. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe trial heard evidence from State Pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe case continues on Thursday before Ms Justice Ring and a jury of 15, including three substitute members. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherPatrick Dooley is the brother of the late Thomas Dooley. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThree of the other accused are first cousins of the deceased. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 19 Jun2024
    In courtirishmirror.ie, first report
    Dad of 7 suffered 25cm chop wound and stab wounds when killed in cemetery attack

    Court report on the murder trial in its third week. Adds pathologist evidence on the victim's wounds, the machete found near the cemetery, and the Garda evidence about Patrick Dooley's van and his account of the injuries he had.

    victim, Thomas Dooley, 42, male, irish (judged from name)Thomas Dooleyvictim, Siobhán Dooley, irish (judged from name)Siobhán Dooleyaccused, Patrick Dooley, 36, male, named, irish (judged from name)Patrick Dooleyaccused, Daniel Dooley, 42, named, irish (judged from name)Daniel Dooleyaccused, Thomas Dooley Snr, 43, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Dooley Snraccused, Thomas Dooley Jnr, 21, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Dooley Jnraccused, Michael Dooley, 29, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Dooleyaccused