This article is from page 17 of the 2013-07-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
THREE men involved in a violent row at Ennis Courthouse in May have received suspended prison sentences.
Simon McDonagh Jnr (18), with an address at 7 Aonach an Chláir, Clarecastle, Edward McDonagh (33), with an address at 18 Davitt Terrace, Cloughleigh, Ennis and Shane O’Donoghue (18), with an address unofficial halting site, Cragroe, Tulla, all appeared before a special sitting of Ennis District Court yesterday.
All three men pleaded guilty to provoking a breach of the peace at Ennis Courthouse on May 1.
Detective John Casey told the court that he and other gardai were forced to break up a fight between the McDonaghs and Mr O’Donoghue.
Det Casey said father of six Edward McDonagh and Shane O’Donoghue exchanged several punches and verbal assaults in a fight that erupted in the hallway outside the courtroom.
Simon McDonagh Jnr also hit Mr O’Donoghue “three or four punches”, the court heard. CCTV footage of the fight was shown in court.
Det Casey said a large number of members of the public were present in the Courthouse as three courts were sitting on the day.
A number of people fled the building in fear of what was happening, the court heard.
None of the men has any previous convictions
Det Casey explained that the fight was the product of a dispute between the McDonagh and O’Donoghue famillies who are connected through marriage.
The court heard the families have settled their difference and are speaking to each other again.
Solicitor for Simon McDonagh Jnr, Daragh Hassett, said his client is talented young soccer player who played for Avenue United in provincial and All-Ireland finals.
Solicitor Patrick Moylan, who represented Edward McDonagh, said his client is a qualified landscaper who had never been in trouble with gardaí before.
Mr Moylan added, “He apologises to the court, the gardaí and the public.”
Solicitor for Mr O’Donoghue, Jim Orange, said his client’s behaviour was “completely out of order on the day.”
Passing sentence, Judge Patrick Durcan said;
“No member of the public should ever feel that by coming into this court they are coming into a war zone.”
He said that in creating a “climate of terror and mayhem” the three defendants behaved in a “contemptible” manner.
He continued, “I regard these offences as the most serious breaches of public order I have had to deal with since my appointment to this district.”
However Judge Durcan noted that the men had no previous convictions and are of “excellent character” in the eyes of the court.
He then imposed two month suspended prison sentences on each defendant.