A man has been jailed for life for the murder of 24-year-old Conor Quinn in Mallow, Co Cork five years ago.
A sitting of the Central Criminal Court in Cork heard that 26-year-old Tyler 'Tiggy' Jackson, formerly of Ballydaheen West, Mallow in Co Cork fled to the UK after he fatally stabbed Mr Quinn.
Mr Quinn was a native of Loughrea in Co Galway but grew up in Tipperary town.
Jackson was found guilty of murder by a majority verdict last Friday, and the case was adjourned until today.
Ms Justice Eileen Creedon imposed the mandatory life sentence on Mr Jackson this afternoon.
Inspector Hugh Twomey gave an outline of the case. Inspector Twomey said that an altercation occurred between Conor Quinn and Tyler Jackson on 12 July 2018 on Bridge Street in Mallow.
He stated that Mr Quinn was stabbed by Tyler Jackson.
Mr Quinn was attended to by a passing ambulance, the court heard, but he succumbed to his injuries and died.
Tyler Jackson fled the scene, and despite a number of searches in Mallow he was not located.
The court was told Jackson fled to the UK, that on the 17 October 2018 an arrest warrant was issued at Mallow District Court, and that later extradition proceedings commenced in the UK. He was located in Cambridge in November 2021, and was arrested and extradited to Dublin, the court heard.
Jennifer Quinn, an aunt of Mr Quinn, read out a victim impact statement on behalf of their family.
Ms Quinn said that Conor was a wonderful person who could "light up any room" with his "infectious laugh" and "love of life".
"He cherished every moment of his life. He was the one who made us laugh no matter what. He was the dancer at the party, the storyteller in the room. The rascal who started the prank."
"We will always remember how he loved to give bear hugs. He really was one of a kind, a true gent and a loyal young man."
Ms Quinn said that at one point in the statement, she was reciting the words of Conor’s mother, Teresa, who said that she was fortunate to have "beautiful grandchildren" who are the source of "so much love and healing".
"But it will ache me for eternity when my little grandson, often asks me, ‘Nanny I wish my Daddy was here to play with me and give me a cuddle. Why did he have to go to heaven? What happened to my Daddy?’
"Conor was ecstatic in anticipation to start his own family as a soon-to-be father. He was ready to embark on this new chapter of his life with so much enthusiasm love, and pure pride," she said.
Ms Justice Creedon sympathised with the Quinn family on the "tragic loss" of Conor.
Defence counsel Brian McInerney, SC, said that his client acknowledged the jury verdict, adding that Jackson planned to appeal the sentence.
