Grand-nephew remanded on wedding murder charge

The accused’s father, Patrick McGinley, 46, has already appeared in court charged with the murder of the 63-year-old grandfather from Co Longford.

William McGinley, who is a cousin of the bride who was just about to walk down the aisle when the shooting took place, is also charged with the attempted murder of the dead man’s son – Bernard McGinley Jnr – who was injured in the same incident outside St Mary’s Catholic Church in the village of Newtownbutler.

He appeared at Omagh Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

Wearing a grey fleece over a white T-shirt, short-haired McGinley, who, like his father, is from Lisfarrell, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the charges he faces during the short hearing.

A police officer told District Judge Barney McElholm that he could connect the accused to the crimes.

McGinley’s lawyer, Seamus Leonard, said his client denied involvement.

“This man has consistently denied any criminality,” he said, stressing that he had provided police with a “full account” of what happened.

Mr Leonard said it was not alleged that William McGinley fired the shot that killed Bernard McGinley.

“But it is alleged he fired the shot which attempted to murder Bernard McGinley Jnr,” he added.

The solicitor said that, while he did not consider the evidence against his client strong enough to justify remanding him in custody, he said he would not be making a bail application today.

McGinley was remanded in custody to appear in court in Enniskillen, via video-link, alongside his father on March 16.

The wedding ceremony was delayed for a short period after the shooting but then went ahead.

Mr McGinley was flown to hospital from Lisnaskea in a police helicopter but died later.