A 26-year-old man who stabbed another man to death in a violent altercation in Gilford last year will spend the next 12 years behind bars.
Frank McAlinden, aged 26, was today told he will serve a minimum of 12 years in prison, having previously pleaded guilty to the murder of Eamonn O’Hanlon – who was 36 years old – in the Co Down village in May 2022.
He will also serve 18 months for possession of an offensive weapon. Both sentences will run concurrently.
Detective Inspector Griffin, speaking after the sentencing at Belfast Crown Court on Friday, said: “Eamonn O’Hanlon was stabbed once in the chest during an altercation. The attack took place outside a house in Hill Street in Gilford in the early hours of Saturday, May 21, 2022. Mr O’Hanlon was taken to hospital, but sadly died from his injury.
“This investigation has been straightforward in the fact that McAlinden actually presented himself to police later that day, and admitted to stabbing Mr O’Hanlon. It is, however, none the less distressing for all concerned.
“This callous and shocking attack has taken a man’s life. It leaves behind a family, who have lost their loved one and whose lives will never be the same again.
“I can only hope that today’s sentencing sends a very clear message. Such acts of violence, in any form, simply can’t be and won’t be tolerated. They have irreversible consequences, for all.
“My thoughts, and that of the team, are with Eamonn’s family and loved ones who continue to grieve.”
Statement from Eamonn O’Hanlon’s family
“The O’Hanlon family would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt support over the past year and a half.
“Eamonn was a much-loved dad, son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. We have all been robbed of a future with our loved one.
“He was taken from us in the most brutal and violent way, that no one deserves. And we hope and pray that no other families will have to go through the pain that we have had to endure.
“We, as a family, would like to express our deepest thanks to the Ambulance Service who responded and tried to save Eamonn. We’d like to thank the Police and the investigation team who have supported us through the toughest of journeys, and all in the criminal justice system who have helped us reach this stage.
“No sentence will ever be enough for the loss we have suffered and continue to suffer, but we know that the streets are safer now with Eamonn’s murderer behind bars.”
