LAST UPDATE | 25 Nov 2025

A MAN HAS been charged with the murder of Waterford man Pat Fitzgerald in August.

David Norris, 35, of Assumption Terrace, Rosbercon, New Ross, County Wexford, was charged at today’s sitting of Waterford District Court held before Judge Fiona Brennan.
Mr Fitzgerald, a retired glass worker who was heavily involved with local trade unions, was discovered with injuries at a residential property in St Catherine’s Grange, Waterford City, shortly after 2pm on Friday 1 August.

He was taken to University Hospital Waterford and pronounced dead two days later.

Giving evidence to the court, Detective Garda Kevin Cleere said at 10.25am he arrested and charged the accused at Waterford Courthouse in relation to the incident.

When the question was put to the accused he made no reply.

Sergeant John Phelan told the court that given the nature of the charge, bail was not an issue for the court.

The Sergeant requested that the initial charge of assault causing harm be withdrawn and the defendant sent forward for trial on the sole count to the present sitting of the Central Criminal Court.

Judge Brennan issued the defendant the alibi warning, requiring him to inform the State within two weeks if he wishes to rely on alibi evidence.

Acting for the defendant, Solicitor Derek Connors asked the court to assign him in the matter for the purpose of legal aid.

Judge Brennan granted the application.

Judge Brennan remanded the defendant in custody to appear before the present sitting of the Central Criminal Court. No date was given for the appearance.