Judge's charge to jury in Doneraile murder trial delayed after juror unable to attend court 

The jury in the Doneraile murder trial was due to begin hearing the judge’s charge on Thursday, but one juror was unable to attend at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork.

Because the juror was not able to attend court, Ms Justice Siobhán Lankford sent the other 11 jurors home for the day for what was the 15th day of the trial.

Ms Justice Lankford said the juror may be able to attend again at the Central Criminal Court on Friday and the trial would resume. 

However, if the juror is still unable to attend tomorrow it is anticipated that it will resume on Monday, June 29, before the full jury of seven women and five men.

When the judge’s charge to the jury is complete they will deliberate on their verdicts in respect of two remaining defendants.

Alex Deady (20) of Glenview, Convent Road, Doneraile, County Cork, and a 17-year-old each face a charge of murdering Barry Daly at Rockview Terrace in Doneraile on October 12, 2025. 

Alex Deady and the 17-year-old pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, at the outset of the trial.

The jury no longer has to consider the case against a third accused. On Wednesday, Ms Justice Siobhán Lankford said: “In your absence there has been a development and I can now tell you that (16-year-old, who cannot be named as he is a juvenile) will be re-arraigned before you.” 

The murder charge was then read to him and he replied: “Not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.” 

Prosecution senior counsel Lorcan Staines said: “That plea of manslaughter is acceptable to the DPP. His case can be adjourned until Monday on continuing bail.” The 16-year-old then left the courtroom.

The next stage of the trial is for Ms Justice Lankford to give what is called the judge’s charge to the jury, which will consist of explaining the relevant law in the case and summarising the evidence.