Former Dublin manager said he told player to apologise

Former Dublin county manager Garda Paul Caffrey told a former player it would be a "good idea" to apologise after an alleged assault that took place during a league match, a court has heard.

Garda Caffrey was giving evidence on the third day of the trial of former Dublin player Brendan McManamon (30), who is accused of breaking an off-duty garda’s jaw on the pitch.

Mr McManamon, Camden Street, Dublin, pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to former Longford player Garda Enda Ledwith at Na Fianna GAA Club, Glasnevin on March 31st, 2012.

Garda Caffrey told Diarmuid Collins, prosecuting, that he was a spectator at the game but did not see the incident. He had a chat with Mr McManamon, who asked him if he could apologise. When Garda Caffrey asked, “You haven’t done so?” and Mr McManamon replied no, Garda Caffrey told him it would be a “good idea” to go down to the ambulance.

The court also heard evidence from Finbarr Shanahan, the match referee, who said he saw Mr McManamon strike Garda Ledwith to the face.

The case continues before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury of nine men and three women.