Man pleads not guilty to murder alleged to have taken place at Peter McVerry Trust property

Liam O’Leary (33) charged with the murder of John Casserly (59) at a Co Mayo apartment in 2024

The judge said jurors should not sit if they have any connection to the trust or the charity Men’s Aid. Photograph: Alan Betson
The judge said jurors should not sit if they have any connection to the trust or the charity Men’s Aid. Photograph: Alan Betson

A 33-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to a murder alleged to have occurred at a Fr Peter McVerry Trust housing unit two years ago.

Judge Paul McDermott swore a jury of nine men and three women to hear the trial of Liam O’Leary, which will begin on Tuesday and is expected to last up to three weeks.

O’Leary, formerly of Kiltimagh in Mayo, is charged with the murder of John Casserly (59) between October 23rd and 24th, 2024, at an apartment in Tone House, Tone St, Ballina, Co Mayo.

He spoke only to plead not guilty to the charge on Monday.

The judge told the jurors that it is alleged Casserly was murdered at a Peter McVerry Trust housing unit.

He said jurors should not sit if they have any connection to the trust or the charity Men’s Aid.

He said anyone with a connection to Mayo should not sit as the narrative will include alleged events in a number of towns in the county, including Kiltimagh, Knock, Ballina and Ballyhaunis.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter