The Daily Star Ireland
A man has been charged with the murder of another man in Limerick, 17 years after the killing. When arrested, he calmly told Gardaí, “no problem,” as the court heard during a special sitting of Limerick District Court on Saturday.
The accused, 41-year-old Darragh Quinlivan, originally from the southside of Limerick City but residing in the Greater Manchester area of the UK in recent years, was taken into custody upon arrival at Shannon Airport. Detective Garda Eoin McDonagh from Roxboro Road Garda Station stated that Mr. Quinlivan was arrested at 6:06 p.m. on Friday in connection with the murder of Noel Campion on April 26, 2007.
Following his arrest, Mr. Quinlivan was transported to Henry Street Garda Station, where he was formally charged with the murder at 7:15 p.m. He made no reply when cautioned that anything he said could be used as evidence in court.
The charge sheet alleges that Mr. Quinlivan murdered Mr. Campion at the junction of High Road and the L1066, Thomondgate, Limerick, on the date in question. Mr. Campion, a 34-year-old father of three from Moyross, Limerick, had prior criminal convictions, including a 14-year sentence for armed robbery. He had also appeared in court two weeks before his death, paying €4,500 for the return of horses he had kept illegally.
On the day of the murder, Mr. Campion was a passenger on a motorcycle traveling through Thomondgate when he was shot by an assailant near the junction of High Road and Inglewood Terrace.
During the court hearing, Mr. Quinlivan stood silently in the dock, covering part of his face with one hand. He wore a black tracksuit with white trim and did not speak. His solicitor, Sarah Ryan, requested a “section 56 order” for any recordings of Garda interviews to be provided to the defense team. She did not apply for bail, as bail for murder charges can only be requested in the High Court.
Judge Patricia Harney granted the application for the order and remanded Mr. Quinlivan in custody pending the preparation of a Book of Evidence. He is scheduled to appear via video link before Limerick District Court on Tuesday, November 19.
A significant Garda presence was observed in the courtroom, along with members of the victim’s family. Inspector Fergal Hanrahan requested that Mr. Quinlivan remain in custody while awaiting further legal proceedings, a request that was approved by the court.
