A GAA player appeared in court yesterday charged with assaulting an opponent. Down All-Ireland medallist James McCartan, from Banbridge, Co Down, denies breaking the jaw of Westmeath full-back Kenny Larkin during a match.
Dublin District Court heard that during a warm-up game before the start of the Leinster championship on May 25th last year, Larkin fell to the ground after being punched by McCartan.
Sgt Gerard Feeney said that before the match in Newcastle, Co Dublin, both players had shaken hands.
But he alleged that about 10 minutes into the game McCartan (32) suddenly turned around and punched his opponent.
"For some reason, he turned to face Larkin, clenched his fist and struck him on the chin," Sgt Feeney told the court.
"Kenny Larkin fell to the ground in a lot of distress and badly injured. He was taken to Naas General Hospital with two fractures to his chin and one to the side of his face."
Judge Timothy Lucey was told that 19-year-old Larkin, a trainee garda, needed three metal plates inserted into his chin and had to wear a jaw brace for six weeks.
"Larkin could only drink through a straw until July when the wires were removed," Sgt Feeney added.
"But the metal plates are a permanent fixture and will be there for life."
Defence counsel Mr Karl Finnegan said he would be contesting the manner in which Sgt Feeney said the injuries had occurred.
Judge Lucey accepted jurisdiction in the case. It is listed for mention on March 26th, but McCartan has been excused from attending.
The case is expected to be heard in October and last up to three days.
It will involve approximately 15 witnesses, many of them high-profile Gaelic football players.
The GAA has deferred disciplinary judgment on the case until the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
The GAA's administration committee has ordered a new inquiry and is expected to rehear all the evidence, including testimonies from two independent witnesses.
They are believed to be umpires who officiated at the match.
- (PA)