Niall Gilligan’s Statement on Alleged Assault at Jamaica Inn Hostel
At Ennis Circuit Court, the jury was presented with detailed accounts regarding an incident that took place at the Jamaica Inn hostel in Sixmilebridge on October 5th, 2023. Former All-Star and Clare All-Ireland winning hurler, Niall Gilligan, has denied allegations of assault, claiming he acted in self-defense.
Gilligan, a 48-year-old from Rossroe, Kilmurry, stated that he took reasonable steps to protect himself from potential injury and assault during the incident. He provided a pre-prepared statement to Gardai at Shannon Garda Station on February 19th, 2024, responding to claims that he had assaulted a 12-year-old boy with a stick.
The boy, who is alleged to have been attacked, sustained a fractured bone in his left hand. Medical reports from October 2023 indicated additional injuries, including a 2 cm wound on his right forearm, a 2 cm wound on his right shin, and bruising on his right shoulder. Medics also noted that the boy had lost consciousness briefly earlier that day.
His father described the scene when he first brought his son to a VHI clinic in Raheen, Limerick. He said that as medical staff removed the boy’s clothes, they discovered more injuries. The father mentioned that the boy had soiled himself, leading medics to believe he had been unconscious. The boy was then transferred by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) for further evaluation.
The father expressed doubt about his son’s initial story that he had fallen off a bike. He pointed out that the boy was covered head to toe in muck, had a swollen hand, and was limping. The father also noted that the boy was speaking quickly and appeared pale, likely due to adrenaline and shock.
Following the incident, the father contacted Niall Gilligan, who he believed was responsible for the attack. However, Gilligan did not respond to the accusation. In his statement, read in court by Dec Garda Noel Carroll, Gilligan explained that the boy’s father claimed his son had been hurt. Gilligan stated that he made no comment on the matter, as the boy and others had previously broken into his building, causing significant damage.
Gilligan recounted the events of the night of the incident, stating that he found himself in a dangerous situation. He retrieved a wooden stick and defended himself against what he believed were intruders. He claimed he acted in a manner any reasonable person would under similar circumstances.
He emphasized that he felt sorry for the boy but maintained that the incident would not have occurred if the boy and others had not entered his property illegally. Gilligan also addressed the rumors surrounding the Jamaica Inn hostel, noting that there were concerns about its use for asylum seekers, which he denied having any involvement with.
In addition to the alleged assault, Gilligan highlighted his efforts to address issues of fire and vandalism at the hostel. He mentioned that he had called the Gardai multiple times in the days leading up to the incident but was unable to speak to anyone on duty.
Gilligan purchased the Jamaica Inn hostel in 2022 and sold it to a company in Shannon in late 2023. The trial continues before a jury of seven men and five women on Monday, with Judge Francis Comerford reminding the jury to remain impartial until all evidence and legal arguments are considered.
