Patrick McGinley appears at Omagh Magistrates Court on Saturday morning
THE nephew of Newtownbutler murder victim Bernard McGinley has appeared in court charged with his killing.
On February 11, 2015 the 62-year-old from Longford was gunned down in Newtownbutler outside St Mary’s Church, in front of his wife Bridget, grandchildren and friends as he attended a family wedding.
On Saturday morning Patrick McGinley, a nephew of the deceased, appeared at Omagh Magistrates Court charged with his murder. A heightened security presence greeted the accused as he made his way into the courthouse covering his face with a green paper, whilst being flanked by officers.
Wearing a grey fleece over a blue checked shirt, balding and unshaven Patrick McGinley, from Lisfarrell, Edgeworthstown, spoke solely to confirm his name, address and that he understood the charge he faced during the short hearing.
A deputy investigating officer in the case told District Judge John Meehan that he could connect the accused to the charge. It was reported that McGinley’s defence solicitor Seamus Leonard told the court his client voluntarily presented himself to police a few days earlier and provided a “very full account of what happened in this tragic event.”
No application for bail was made, but it is understood one will be made in the future.
McGinley was remanded in custody to appear via videolink before Enniskillen Magistrates’ Court on March 16.
Patrick McGinley was arrested in Belfast on Wednesday February 18. It is understood he presented himself to the PSNI at Musgrave Police Station by prior arrangement. Detectives from Serious Crime Branch were granted additional time by a court to question the accused, with Detective Chief Inspector Una Jennings confirming the court had granted a detention extension until early Saturday, February 21.
Well-known within the Traveller community Bernard McGinley, known as ‘Barney’ was shot and another man blasted from point blank range with a shotgun. After the attack the wedding took place as planned in the Newtownbutler church between a niece of the accused, Matilda McGinley, 17, and 16-year-old Jimmy Connors, in a service conducted by parish priest Fr Michael King.
The funeral of Bernard McGinley took place on Monday, February 16 in Athlone amid an increased security presence. His widow Bridget last week returned to the scene of the crime and left a Valentine’s card for her late husband with the words: “To Barney, you are gone, but never not forgotten. I love you and miss you, love Bridge.”
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