Latest news with #ArmaghGAA
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Gaelic football star is accused of eight sex attacks while celebrating All-Ireland victory in Florida with teammates
A Gaelic football star will stand trial after being accused of eight sexual assaults while celebrating a victory in Florida with his teammates. Armagh GAA player Aidan Nugent faces eight charges relating to an incident involving a woman on November 17 last year during the trip to Miami. The 30-year-old from Newtownhamilton in County Armagh had been in the US to celebrate his team winning the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title. He has been charged with seven counts of sexual assault and one of sexual assault involving penetration, which were allegedly committed against one woman. Appearing today at Armagh Magistrates' Court, sitting in Newry, he confirmed he was aware of the charges against him and was told he would go on trial at crown court. Armagh GAA had been in Miami to celebrate their win, which was their first All-Ireland title in 22 years after they clinched victory over Galway at Croke Park in July 2024. Nugent's defence solicitor Patrick Higgins has emphasised that during formal police interviews, the defendant claimed that 'any sexual activity was consensual'. Mr Higgins has also revealed that when Nugent was charged with the offences, the sportsman replied: 'I deny the allegations - it was consensual.' During a brief preliminary enquiry court today, which is the legal step necessary for any case to be sent to the crown court, a prosecuting lawyer submitted that there is a prima facie case against Nugent. Mr Higgins conceded the point but declared that Nugent 'strenuously denies the allegations'. Returning the case to Newry Crown Court, District Judge Anne Marshall freed Nugent on £500 bail and ordered him to appear for his arraignment on October 2. Applying for legal aid to be extended in allow a senior barrister to be instructed, Mr Higgins told the judge that was on the basis that one of the charges carried a potential sentence of life imprisonment. He also contended that 'all of the people involved in this are in the public eye' and that if Nugent is convicted, there is not only a risk to his reputation 'but also a risk to his liberty and livelihood.' Judge Marshall told the solicitor she would rule on his application later today.
Irish Times
22-07-2025
- Irish Times
Armagh footballer Aidan Nugent ordered to stand trial over sexual assault charges
Armagh All-Ireland winner Aidan Nugent was on Tuesday ordered to stand trial in the crown court, facing eight charges of sexual assault. Appearing in the dock of Armagh Magistrates Court, sitting in Newry, the 31-year-old confirmed he was aware of the charges against him, all of them alleged to have been committed in the US on November 17th, 2024. Mr Nugent, from the Cullyhanna Road in Newtownhamilton, faces seven charges of sexual assault and one of sexual assault involving penetration, alleged to have been committed against a single complainant. It is understood to be the crown's case the offences were committed when the Armagh GAA team travelled to Miami in Florida. They were celebrating Armagh's first All-Ireland title in 22 years after beating Galway at Croke Park July . READ MORE Mr Nugent's defence solicitor Patrick Higgins has emphasised that during formal police interviews, the defendant claimed that 'any sexual activity was consensual'. Mr Higgins has also said that when Mr Nugent was charged with the offences he replied: 'I deny the allegations - it was consensual'. During a brief preliminary inquiry court on Tuesday , the legal step necessary for any case to be returned to the crown court, a prosecuting lawyer submitted there is a prima facie case against Mr Nugent. Mr Higgins conceded the point but declared that Mr Nugent 'strenuously denies the allegations.' The court clerk told Mr Nugent he had the right to comment on the charges or to call evidence on his own behalf, but he declined. Returning the case to Newry Crown Court, district judge Anne Marshall freed Mr Nugent on £500 (€575) bail and ordered him to appear for his arraignment on October 2nd. Applying for legal aid to be extended to allow a senior barrister to be instructed, Mr Higgins told the judge that was on the basis that one of the charges carried a potential sentence of life imprisonment. He also contended that 'all of the people involved in this are in the public eye' and that if Mr Nugent is convicted, there is not only a risk to his reputation 'but also a risk to his liberty and livelihood.' Judge Marshall told the solicitor she would rule on his application later on Tuesday.
Irish Independent
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Armagh pay heartfelt tribute to departing coach Kieran Donaghy
Armagh GAA has paid tribute to departing Orchard county coach Kieran Donaghy for helping to 'shape the identity, resilience and ambition' of the team that claimed All-Ireland SFC glory last year.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Donaghy leaves Armagh set-up after five seasons
Kieran Donaghy has stepped down from his role within the Armagh backroom team. The four-time All-Ireland winner with Kerry was part of Kieran McGeeney's management team for five seasons, helping them win the All-Ireland title in 2024. Armagh GAA expressed their "deepest gratitude" to the Austin Stacks clubman in a statement on Wednesday evening. "His belief in this group never wavered, and his presence helped shape the identity, resilience and ambition of our team," added Armagh. "Being part of the team that delivered our second all-Ireland title is a legacy that will live long in our hearts, and his influence will be felt for many years to come." Donaghy said he will walk away "full of pride and memories". "Thank you to Kieran McGeeney, who took a chance on a rookie coach," added Donaghy. "You said one year, it became five, only you could pull that off. You said I could help and that you would help me in return. You were a man of your word every step of the way." His departure comes a fortnight after the Orchard County were beaten by Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-finals which brought an end to their 2025 campaign.
BBC News
17-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Donaghy leaves Armagh set-up after five seasons
Kieran Donaghy has stepped down from his role within the Armagh backroom team. The four-time All-Ireland winner with Kerry was part of Kieran McGeeney's management team for five seasons, helping them win the All-Ireland title in GAA expressed their "deepest gratitude" to the Austin Stacks clubman in a statement on Wednesday evening. "His belief in this group never wavered, and his presence helped shape the identity, resilience and ambition of our team," added Armagh."Being part of the team that delivered our second all-Ireland title is a legacy that will live long in our hearts, and his influence will be felt for many years to come."Donaghy said he will walk away "full of pride and memories"."Thank you to Kieran McGeeney, who took a chance on a rookie coach," added Donaghy."You said one year, it became five, only you could pull that off. You said I could help and that you would help me in return. You were a man of your word every step of the way."His departure comes a fortnight after the Orchard County were beaten by Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-finals which brought an end to their 2025 campaign.
