A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Waterford woman Gillian Curran in January of last year.

Marcus O’Neill was handed the mandatory life sentence at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin today (Monday), following his conviction for murder in July.

Ms Curran, who was 47 and originally from Sweetbriar in Tramore, was found unresponsive at O’Neill’s home on O’Brien Street in Waterford City on January 25th, 2025.

She was pronounced dead a short time later.

O’Neill had denied murdering his partner, claiming she had suffered a series of falls at his home.

However, a jury at the Central Criminal Court in Waterford rejected his account, returning a majority 10-2 guilty verdict following 12 hours of deliberations over three days.

During the trial, State Pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers told the court that Ms Curran died from blunt force traumatic injuries to her head and abdomen.

A post-mortem examination identified 143 external bruises and abrasions, along with more than 20 internal injuries.

The trial also made legal history, becoming the first criminal trial in Ireland to feature footage from Garda body-worn cameras as evidence.

Sentencing O’Neill today, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs imposed the mandatory life sentence for murder.

Speaking outside court following the sentencing, Gillian’s brother Michael Curran said her murder and the subsequent trial had a profound impact on the entire family.

He described his sister as an intelligent, loving, kind and vivacious woman who was deeply missed by her family, friends and work colleagues.

“Our sister, Gillian, was brutally taken from us at the age of 47,” he said.

“Gillian, like many vulnerable women across Ireland, did not deserve her violent end.”

Mr Curran criticised O’Neill’s decision to contest the murder charge, saying the family had been forced to endure the distressing details of Gillian’s death throughout the trial.

He also revealed that their mother had died in May, shortly before proceedings began, leaving the family struggling to grieve while the court case continued.

“We are frequently overwhelmed by feelings of loss, anxiety, and deep, deep sadness,” he said.

The family thanked Gardaí, the Director of Public Prosecutions’ office and the judiciary for their professionalism and sensitivity throughout the investigation and trial.

Mr Curran concluded by calling for greater recognition of victims of domestic abuse and their families.

“Today’s sentence is a step towards justice for Gillian, but we must also remember all the other victims of domestic abuse and their families.

“We must make sure their voices are heard and that no one is forgotten.”