A former Irish international boxer who left a man with serious head and facial injuries following a fracas has been sentenced to three years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
John McDonagh (22), of Oldcastle Drive, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to John Costelloe, at St Cuthbert's Park, Clondalkin, on April 25th, 2004.
Breffni Gordon, defending, said McDonagh, who had represented Ireland in boxing, was reliant on social welfare payments to support him and his family. He had €3,000 in court which he had borrowed from the credit union to offer to the victim as a token of his remorse and contrition.
Judge Katherine Delahunt directed that the €3,000 be paid to Mr Costelloe before she imposed a three-year sentence on McDonagh, the last two years suspended.