Former Cork minor footballer involved in assault given suspended sentence 

A suspended two-year sentence was imposed on young man who played minor football for Cork and was involved in - but the not the main instigator of - a brutal beating of another man in an unprovoked attack in Ballincollig in March 2023.

Judge Dermot Sheehan imposed a fully suspended two-year sentence on Josh Ambrose of Old Fort Gate, Ballincollig, County Cork, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on charges of engaging in a violent disorder and assault causing harm.

Josh Ambrose who was 20-years-old at the time of the assault brought €5,000 compensation to court for the victim.

Detective Garda Alan Johnson said the victim sustained injuries including a fractured eye socket.

Det Garda Johnson said the victim did not know his attackers and found that he was scared when he was out socially afterwards, adding that he did not know why he was brutally attacked. 

On the night of the assault he felt that he was going to die.

Jessica Kelleher barrister said on behalf of Mr Ambrose, who is now 23: “He said himself that it was the stupidest thing he had ever done in his life.” 

Ms Kelleher said that while he played football for Cork as a minor he suffered a shoulder injury at the age of 18 and has not played since.

Ms Kelleher said he had good insight into his responsibility for what occurred in March 2023 and expressed genuine remorse for the victim. 

The case related to an assault at Oriel House Hotel, Ballincollig. 

Detective Garda Alan Johnson testified that the injured party was effectively blindsided by a punch from the main instigator on the night. The victim did not have an opportunity to defend himself from the blow and he was then dragged outside the premises where there was a further assault by parties including Mr Ambrose.

Two others – including the main instigator – were previously given suspended sentences for their parts in the violence.