Former sports coach to face trial on 99 assault charges
A FORMER Waterford sports coach will be returned for trial on 99 charges of indecent and sexual assault against three boys.
Bill Kenneally (67), a former sports coach, was first charged in relation to the 99 counts before Waterford District Court last month.
The 99 charges involve three boys and various dates more than 20 years ago.
The charges also involved a number of different locations across the south east.
Judge Kevin Staunton was told by Inspector Murt Whelan yesterday that gardaí have now completed the extensive book of evidence in the case.
The book of evidence was formally served on the defendant.
Inspector Whelan said that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has given instructions for the defendant to be returned for trial to the next sitting of Waterford Circuit Criminal Court.
Judge Staunton was told that, when the charges were formally put to the defendant, he made no reply.
Mr Kenneally of Laragh, Summerville Avenue, Waterford, is an accountant by profession.
For many years he was a coach involved in various juvenile sports groups in the south east.
Mr Kenneally was also well known for his work as a tallyman during various general and local elections.
At one time he was one of the most high-profile political tallymen operating in Ireland.
He appeared in court yesterday wearing a dark grey jumper, grey slacks and a blue shirt.
Mr Kenneally did not speak during the brief hearing.
Defence counsel Pat Newell asked for a four-week adjournment in the matter.
Mr Newell formally requested that Judge Staunton not remand his client for trial at this stage.
Inspector Whelan pointed out again that the DPP had requested Mr Kenneally be returned for trial to the next sessions of the Circuit Criminal Court.
Mr Newell raised no objection when Judge Staunton was asked by Det Sergeant Siobhán Keating to make a number of clerical amendments to several of the charge sheets.
Judge Staunton was told that if he granted a four-week adjournment, as requested by the defence legal team, it would still allow the matter to be returned for trial to the next session of Waterford Circuit Criminal Court.
However, the court was told there was a chance a trial could take place in Dublin.
This will be dependent upon potential legal submissions to Waterford Circuit Criminal Court.
Judge Staunton remanded Mr Kenneally on continuing bail and on existing bail conditions.
He adjourned the matter until the April 24 sitting of Waterford District Court.
Judge Staunton stressed that the return for trial to the Circuit Court will be dealt with on that date.
The case will be dealt with at the new Waterford Courts complex which is scheduled to be opened by the Courts Service early next month.
All district and circuit court hearings will transfer from the temporary Gracedieu complex on the Tramore Road back to Waterford Courthouse in two weeks time.
The 99 charges were levelled against Mr Kenneally after an investigation by gardaí in Waterford.
The investigation was quite lengthy and extended over several years.
That investigation was launched followed the receipt of complaints from three individuals about alleged events in the 1980s and 1990s when they were young boys.
The complainants are now middle aged.