Student Ross Culligan adjourned to September over assault at asylum seeker protest in Corofin
On 22 May 2023, Michael Neylon, a man in his 60s, suffered a facial injury after being assaulted at a protest against a rumoured asylum seeker accommodation centre in Scool, Corofin, Co Clare. Ross Culligan, a man aged 20, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. At Ennis District Court on 31 March 2025, Judge Alec Gabbett adjourned the case to September, directing Culligan to bring his June Leaving Cert results before the matter is finalised. The Probation Report was described as very positive, noting Culligan's regret and remorse, and the judge said his Leaving Cert results would be the final icing on the cake.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court31 Mar
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Michael Neylon, a man in his 60s, suffered a facial injury after being assaulted at a protest in Scool, Corofin, Co Clare.
- The protest was organised via social media in response to false claims about a new accommodation centre for asylum seekers, and the Minister for Integration confirmed the site was never offered for that use.
- Where
- The assault took place at Scool, Corofin, Co Clare.
- When
- The incident occurred on 22 May 2023.
- Charges
- Ross Culligan, a man aged 20, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
- In court
- At Ennis District Court on 31 March 2025, Judge Alec Gabbett adjourned the case to September, directing Culligan to bring his June Leaving Cert results before finalising the matter.
- Other details
- The Probation Report was described as very positive, showing Culligan expressing regret and remorse.
- Culligan is studying at an Ennis secondary school, studying Irish and history.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe protest was against a rumoured new accommodation centre for asylum seekers. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe protest was organised via social media in response to false claims. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatMichael Neylon suffered a facial injury as a result of the assault. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe blockade was mounted over false reports and there were no plans to establish accommodation for asylum seekers at that location. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatA video was circulated online showing men touring a house with multiple beds in each bedroom, claiming it would house asylum seekers. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe assault took place at Scool, Corofin, Co Clare. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe incident occurred on 22 May 2023. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeRoss Culligan pleaded guilty to assault causing harm contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtJudge Alec Gabbett directed Culligan to bring his June Leaving Cert results to court in September before finalising the case. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe case was adjourned to September. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe Probation Report was described as very positive, showing Culligan expressing regret and remorse. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherCulligan is studying at an Ennis secondary school and is studying Irish and history. (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 31 Mar2025Judge tells student to bring Leaving Cert results to court
Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to September, directing Culligan to bring his Leaving Cert results. The Probation Report was described as very positive. The protest was organised via social media in response to false claims about asylum seeker accommodation, and the Minister for Integration confirmed the site was never offered for that use.
victim, Michael Neylon, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Michael Neylonaccused, Ross Culligan, 20, male, named, irish (judged from name)Ross Culligan