Man struck friend with hammer after row during McGregor fight

A man attacked his friend with a hammer after they fell out while watching UFC star Conor McGregor fight, Letterkenny District Court has heard.

Mark Bogle exchanged words with Ryan McCullagh while watching the bout at a friend's house in in Raphoe, Co Donegal on August 21st, 2016 but the tensions then cooled.

However, Mr Bogle (20) later went to his father’s home and took a claw hammer before returning to the friend’s house on Guesthouse End Street. Mr McCullagh received one blow of the hammer to the head and was rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital.

Garda Inspector Seán Grant said Mr McCuallagh had to have his head “glued back together” but he has since made a full recovery.

Frank Dorrian, solicitor for Mr Bogle, said his client, of Railway Road in Raphoe, was unable explain why he attacked Mr McCullagh.

“The issue had passed and it was considered trivial after a row erupted over football,” he said. “There was no pattern in the past and he has no previous convictions and he has apologised to the victim.”

Mr Dorrian said his client was trying to address his problem with alcohol.

Judge Paul Kelly asked if the accused was willing to compensate Mr McCullagh, and ordered him to start by paying his €150 medical bill.

Judge Kelly adjourned the case to allow for a probation report on the accused.