Carlow Court: Man Kicked Victim in Head During McDonald’s Brawl

Paul Duca, a 31-year-old resident of Castlewood Gardens, Pollerton, Carlow, was sentenced at Carlow Circuit Court to five years in prison with the final 15 months suspended for multiple assaults. According to prosecuting barrister Brian O’Shea BL, Duca kicked victim Michael Maher in the face “full force” while Maher lay vulnerable on the ground during a Tullow Street pub melee. Judge Mary Morrissey presided over the hearing via video link, where Duca pleaded guilty to three counts of assault causing harm stemming from two separate incidents.

## Carlow Circuit Court Sentencing Details and Suspended Term

Judge Mary Morrissey handed down a total sentence of five years and one month for the three assault offenses, suspending the final 15 months for three years. According to court records, the conditions of the suspension require Duca’s continued engagement with addiction services and community counselling. Portions of the sentence run concurrently with a prison term Duca is currently serving, while other parts run consecutively.

Prosecuting barrister Brian O’Shea BL noted that Duca entered his guilty pleas “on the cusp of a trial” as a jury was being sworn in, meaning the state was not put to the trouble of a full trial. Defence barrister Jane McCudden BL established during cross-examination of arresting Garda Kenny that her client had co-operated with gardaí regarding both incidents and requested that his apologies be conveyed to the victims and authorities.

## The Barracks Bar Double Assault on Tullow Street

The most serious charges arose from a double assault at The Barracks bar on Tullow Street on the night of December 20, 2025, according to evidence presented in court. Duca assaulted both Michael Maher and Luke Donoghue inside the premises. The altercation began near the bathroom area, where Duca struck Donoghue with a closed fist, resulting in a soft tissue injury that required no medical treatment.

Duca then moved to the seating area near the bar. There, he and another unidentified man—who has since left the country—subjected Michael Maher to a series of punches. According to Mr O’Shea, “immediately before being separated by security staff, Mr Duca kicked Mr Maher in the face when he was already in a vulnerable position.” CCTV footage captured the assault, and medical records confirmed Maher suffered multiple fractures to the right side of his face.

Defence barrister Jane McCudden pointed out that another man in a white t-shirt “covered in tattoos” was “laying considerable and multiple blows to Mr Maher’s face” and continued even after security intervened. Garda Kenny agreed with this assessment, though he confirmed his belief that the final blow was struck by Duca.

## McDonald’s Fast-Food Restaurant Melee on March 5

The earlier incident occurred outside the McDonald’s fast-food restaurant in Carlow town centre on March 5, 2025. During this melee, Duca assaulted Fabio de Oliveira Monteiro. According to court testimony, the attack caused two injuries to the rear of Monteiro’s torso—one requiring a single stitch and another requiring three stitches.

Judge Morrissey found “high moral culpability” in the McDonald’s incident. She noted that a melee of that kind “would have the effect of putting ordinary like-minded individuals in fear.” While noting that no weapons were used and there was no evidence of premeditation, the judge emphasized that the December assaults occurred while Duca was on bail and intoxication was a factor.

## Victim Impact and Medical Recovery for Michael Maher

Michael Maher attended the court hearing and relied on a previously submitted victim impact statement detailing the severe fallout of the Tullow Street attack. Maher spent the night at St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny undergoing numerous X-rays and CT scans. Doctors ultimately opted to “allow natural healing” rather than operate on his facial fractures, and Maher subsequently attended Waterford hospital amid concerns that his retina had detached.

Maher described being left “in a lot of pain, anxious, upset” and uneasy in crowded places. The injuries halted his ability to swim, play football, or attend the gym. “My carefree nights out have changed for good,” his statement read. “It was a night out that has scarred me forever.” Judge Morrissey observed that the attack left Maher in “enormous pain” and turned his Christmas “upside down.”

## Mitigation, Background, and Rehabilitation Efforts in Custody

In mitigation, defence barrister Jane McCudden explained that both incidents occurred during a period when Duca was “entrenched in drug misuse” and experiencing poor mental health. “It’s not an excuse, just context,” Ms McCudden stated. She detailed Duca’s difficult upbringing, noting he moved to Ireland from Romania with his mother at age 17 after being told he would attend school. Rather, his mother’s partner forced him into labor for a criminal syndicate and

Duca and his mother eventually left the situation with the help of his partner of 12 years—with whom he has a son—who also helped him secure legitimate employment. The court was informed that Duca is currently serving time in prison, possesses a criminal record comprising 34 prior offences—specifically 24 related to theft and two concerning criminal damage—though none involve acts of violence.

A probation report presented to the court assessed Duca as being “at moderate risk of reoffending” while showing “intention to change.” Ms McCudden highlighted that Duca completed an overdose prevention course, a relapse prevention recovery group, and an anger management course. Furthermore, the probation report described his conduct in custody as “exemplary,” affording him enhanced status and full engagement with education and rehabilitative activities. Duca also intended to bring €2,000 to offer as compensation to Mr Maher, acknowledging through his barrister that the sum was “by no means enough” but that he would continue to gather further compensation.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What sentence did Paul Duca receive?
For the three assault charges, Paul Duca was handed a cumulative prison term of five years and one month, with the final 15 months deferred across a three-year span subject to stipulations that mandated ongoing participation in community counselling and addiction support programs.

### What charges did Duca plead guilty to?
Duca admitted guilt to three separate charges of assault causing harm stemming from two distinct events: a fight outside the Carlow town centre McDonald’s fast-food establishment and a twin assault inside The Barracks bar situated on Tullow Street.

### What injuries did Michael Maher sustain?
Michael Maher suffered multiple fractures to the right side of his face.

### Were weapons involved in the assaults?
According to court findings, no weapons were used during either incident, and the judge noted there was no evidence of premeditation.