Man accused of attacking Michael Healy-Rae granted bail

Anthony Foley, a 51-year-old man from Rosary Road in Dublin 8, has been granted bail after being accused of unprovokedly attacking Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae. The incident occurred on September 16th, 2026, at Cork Street in the city. Foley was initially denied bail in the District Court two days after the assault but appealed the decision to the High Court.

Justice Cathleen Noctor heard both sides of the case and ultimately decided to grant bail, emphasizing the presumption of innocence. She rejected garda concerns that Foley would not appear in court and that there was a risk of witness interference through social media or at the TD's workplace. Despite the seriousness of the attack and the likelihood of a custodial sentence if convicted, the judge found no clear evidence of a politically motivated crime.

Bail conditions include an independent surety of €500, a €1,400 bond, residence at an approved address, daily sign-ins at a garda station, a curfew, and an exclusion from the Dublin 2 area. Foley is scheduled to return to the District Court for further directions.