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The 62-year-old was found by gardaí in his front drive at the home in Toomaline, near Doon. Google maps
rural crime

"I really am sorry for the death of that man" - Two charged over John O’Donoghue burglary

The 62-year-old collapsed and died after being confronted by burglars at his home.

A 32-YEAR-OLD man told gardai, “I really am sorry for the death of that man”, after he
was charged with a burglary at a house in Co. Limerick where a 62-year-old man died after discovering intruders at his home.

Michael Casey (32) Bay 9, Clonlong, Southill, Limerick and his cousin David Casey, (20) with an address at Carragh Park, Coolock, Dublin 17, both appeared before a special sitting of Limerick District Court today.

The men were charged with three burglary and one criminal damage offence allegedly committed at a number of addresses in East County Limerick on 27 August. These include burglary at the home of John O’Donoghue at Toomaline Upper, Doon, Co Limerick.

Mr O’Donoghue collapsed and died outside his house shortly before 2pm last, after he returned home to discover his house had been ransacked by thieves.

A post-mortem carried out by the State Pathologist Marie Cassidy on Friday confirmed the 62-year old suffered a heart attack.

Garda William Collins of Cappamore Garda Station gave evidence of arresting and formally charging Michael Casey at Henry Street Garda Station on Friday night.

The court heard the 32-year-old replied “I really am sorry for the death of that man” in response to each of the charges.

Both Michael and David Casey are charged with entering John O’Donoghue’s home at Toomaline Upper, Doon Co Limerick on 27 August as trespassers and stealing a ladies gold watch valued at €200, and £30 cash in sterling.

They are also charged with stealing €1,000 worth of jewellery from the home of Hester O’Keefe at St Jude’s Kyle, Cappamore, Co Limerick and entering the home of Kate Egerton at Portnard, Cappamore, Co Limerick as trespassers and causing €250 criminal damage to a front door.

The cousins are also charged with causing €120 worth of criminal damage to the front door of Rodger Danaher’s home in Dromsallagh, Cappamore, Co Limerick on the same date.

Garda Elaine O’Donovan, Bruff Garda Station, gave evidence of arresting and formally charging David Casey at Henry Street Garda Station on Friday night.

The court heard that he made no reply to any of the charges.

Solicitor Julie-ann Kiely was assigned to represent David Casey while solicitor Sarah Ryan was assigned to represent Michael Casey whom the court heard is in receipt of social welfare.

Neither of the accused men applied for bail.

Superintendent Derek Smart sought that both men be remanded in custody to appear before the same court again next week.

Judge Marie Keane remanded them in custody to appear before Limerick District Court on Tuesday 1 September.

Note: Comments have been closed on this article as court proceedings are ongoing.

Read: John O’Donoghue remembered as a gifted carpenter and quiet gentleman >

Read: Man found dead after discovering intruders in his home >