Author: admin

TWO Limerick men appeared before a special sitting of Ennis District Court yesterday charged in connection with thefts from cars in Clare GAA grounds on Sunday.

Jonathan McCarthy (23), with and address at Quarry Road, Thomondgate, Limerick and Samuel Quilligan (25), with an address Altamira, Thomondgate, Limerick, are accused of stealing a hurley and € 20 from a car in Sixmilebridge GAA club on May 18.

They are also charged with the theft of a crate of Smirnoff Ice from a car in Broadford GAA club on May 18.

Mr McCarthy is accused of causing criminal damage to a side window of a car in Kildooras, Clonlara on the same day.

Detective Garda John Mulvihill of Killaloe Garda Station gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Mr McCarthy.

He said in response to two charges, the accused replied, “I’m very sorry”. In reply to the other charge, Mr McCarthy said, “I’m very sorry. I will pay for the costs”.

Detective Garda Bernard Casey of Killaloe Garda Station told the court Mr Quilligan made no comment to charges after caution.

Both men were granted bail subject to a number of conditions.

They were ordered to reside at their addresses; observe a curfew between 11pm and 7am and be available for inspection to gardaí.

They were ordered not to drive any motor vehicles until the case is resolved.

Both men were also ordered to stay out of Clare except for court business. Solicitor for both accused, John Herbert, told the court Mr McCarthy intends to receive immediate psychiatric treatment.

Judge Mary Larkin said Mr McCarthy must notify gardaí of any change in his address.

Both men were assigned legal aid after Mr Herbert said they were suitable candidates.

A third person, Danika Frahill (22) also appeared before the court.

Ms Frahill, with an address at Caherdavin Shopping Centre Apartments, Limerick, is charged with handling a stolen Nokia mobile phone at Shannon Garda Station on May 18. Detective Garda Stephen Ryan of Shannon Garda Station said Ms Frahill made no reply to charge after caution.

Ms Herbert told Judge Larkin that Ms Frahill is presently out of work and a suitable candidate for legal aid. The accused was granted bail on the same conditions as Mr Quilligan and Mr McCarthy.

All three were remanded on bail to appear at Killaloe District Court on July 1 for DPP’s directions.

A FATHER of eight has received a suspended prison sentence for his role in a row that took place outside a primary school in Ennis earlier this year.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, James Keenan (41) pleaded guilty to a public order offence that occurred on the grounds of Ennis National School on February 5, 2014.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that Mr Keenan and Michael Delaney (26) traded insults and ver- bal abuse as parents arrived to collect their children.

The court heard Mr Delaney was collecting a child from school while Mr Keenan was dropping his children off for a tae-kwan-do class.

Insp Kennedy said no blows were struck but abusive language was exchanged between the pair.

Outlining the background to the incident, Insp Kennedy said, “There is no love lost between them. That’s putting it mildly”.

He said a number of young children were in the vicinity when the row took place.

Mr Keenan, with an address at Childer’s Road, Ennis has some previous convictions for public order and theft offences.

Defence solicitor William Cahir said his client had gone to drop his children to a martial arts class and had no intention of encountering the other family.

Mr Cahir said Mr Keenan comes from a family that has lived in Ennis for a number of years. He said Mr Keenan has never been involved in disputes with other families in En- nis.

However Mr Cahir said something seems to have sparked of a dispute between the Delaney and Keenan families in this instance.

Judge Patrick Durcan said this was a serious offence committed in the presence of children.

He imposed a two-month sentence, suspended for 18 months on condition Mr Keenan enter into a bond to be of a good behaviour.

Recognizance’s were fixed in the event Mr Keenan’s intends to appeal the decision.

A HIGHLY invasive species of marine animals known as “marine vomit” has been discovered in the waters off the North Clare coast.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) says it is aware of the spread in south Galway Bay area of the carpet sea squirt known as Didemnum vexillum, a highly invasive non-native species that can smother marine life.

Didemnum vexillum are tiny animals in the tunicate family, that form together in massive colonies when conditions for breeding are suitable. These massive colonies spread quickly along the surface of the water, growing over and smothering anything in its path such as muscles, clams, oysters and plant life.

The marine vomit, which is given its names because of the colonies appearance as it spreads under water, is understood to have been carried to Clare from Japanese waters on the hulls of ships or in ballast wa- ter discharged from certain vessels.

It is not as yet clear if it will have a serious detrimental effect on the local shellfish populations, but tests carried out in waters close to Traught Beach on the Clare/Galway border indicate that it could pose a threat locally.

Indeed, these tests reveal a significant presence of marine vomit growing on the sea bed for the first time in Ireland. Up until now concentrations of Didemnum vexillum have been found on floating structures which cause little danger to other marine life.

Once the marine vomit become established it can spread rapidly. Indeed, the species could one day cover the entire of Galway Bay as was seen in George’s Bank between Canada and America where it now covers an area estimated to be more than 200 square kilometres.

Marine vomit has been located at more then six places around the Irish coast but Galway Bay now appears to be at the highest risk of invasion.

A CAR enthusiast who punched a business sign and verbally abused gardaí after his vehicle was seized in Ennis has escaped a prison sentence.

Shane O’Sullivan (23) was instead ordered to carry out 75 hours of community service in lieu of six weeks in prison.

At Ennis District Court on Tuesday, Judge Patrick Durcan said Mr O’Sullivan behaved in a “contemptible manner” towards members of the force after being stopped on the Quin Road on May 17, 2013.

The seizure occurred minutes after another car was taken by gardaí from Mr O’Sullivan who had been driving in an enclosed area of an industrial estate.

Garda Liza McDonagh told the court she stopped Mr O’Sullivan’s vehicle on the Quin Road at around 22.54pm because it was in very poor order.

A Garda PSV report subsequently found the car to be defective with problems including three bald tyres and no audible warning device.

Garda McDonagh said that after informing Mr O’Sullivan she was seizing his car, he replied “This is my f*****g car”.

After punching a nearby sign, Mr O’Sullivan told Garda McDonagh and her colleague to go “f*** themselves”, the court heard.

Mr O’Sullivan, with an address at Rockmount Cross, Kilrush Road, Ennis, pleaded guilty to charges of driving a dangerously defective vehicle and engaging in behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

His solicitor told the court his client’s behaviour was more in frustration with himself after having two cars seized within a matter of minutes.

The solicitor said his client initially bought the defective car to sell it. He said the vehicle had been booked in for its National Car Test (NCT).

The court heard Mr O’Sullivan comes from a well-known family in the motor trade and intends studying mechanical engineering.

His solicitor said Mr O’Sullivan “behaved outrageously” and subsequently apologised to gardaí.

Judge Durcan asked Garda McDonagh if the apology was genuine. Judge Durcan said that going by Garda McDonagh’s response, Mr O’Sullivan’s had given a “mealy mouthed apology”. Garda McDonagh agreed he had.

The court heard the accused has two previous convictions for road traffic offences and has not come to garda attention since the incident.

Judge Durcan said he regarded this as a “serious offence”. He said Mr O’Sullivan used “foul and filthy language” to gardaí who had just seized his “rattletrap”.

He imposed a € 300 fine and ordered Mr O’Sullivan to complete 75 hours community service in lieu of six weeks in prison.

“Hopefully working for the community he will realise he has to keep his temper under control”. The Judge said.

Judge Durcan said he was also disqualifying Mr O’Sullivan from holding a driver’s license for three months, by way of ancillary order.

However after noting the pleas submitted in mitigation and Mr O’Sullivan’s intentions to work in the motor trade, Judge Durcan vacated the order and did not disqualify him from driving.

A LIMERICK man has pleaded guilty to handling stolen property in Magowna last May.

Darra Moore (23) admitted handling stolen property including four pairs of sunglasses, a harmonica, sunglasses and kodak digital camera on dates unknown between May 22 and May 23 in Magowna.

Mr Moore, with an address at Cosgrave Park, Moyross, Limerick, appeared before Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the property was stolen form an unlocked car outside a house between the dates in question.

A follow up investigation found that Mr Moore was in the area at the time.

The property was recovered and Mr Moore was charged with handling the stolen items.

The court heard Mr Moore has 76 previous convictions including for theft and handling offences.

Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett said his client fully cooperated with gardaí and took responsibility for all of the items recovered.

Mr Hassett said the offence was committed at a time when Mr Moore was taking drugs.

He said the accused is now dealing with his addictions and is genuinely remorseful for his actions.

The court heard Mr Moore is currently serving a prison sentence and is due for release in December.

Judge Patrick Durcan asked Insp Kennedy if anything could be gained by adding to Mr Moore’s prison sentence.

Insp Kennedy said the point had to be made that Mr Moore is a “serial offender” who shows no regard for other people’s property.

He said society could not tolerate persistent criminal behaviour such as this.

Judge Durcan imposed a three month prison sentence but told Mr Moore this would not extend his time in prison beyond December when he is due for release.

He said Mr Moore’s activities had hurt other people.

Judge Durcan concluded by encouraging him to avail of opportunities in prison.

A LIMERICK man said he caused noise and disturbance in Ennis Courthouse yesterday because he only got potato wedges and chicken nuggets for lunch instead of a snack box.

Eddie O’Sullivan (25) was in custody awaiting sentence for stealing money and a bus pass from a disabled man in Ennis last August.

Shouting and banging could be heard from the cell area below the courtroom where Circuit Criminal Court sat on Monday.

When Mr O’Sullivan was called for arraignment a prison officer told Judge Carroll Moran that Mr O’Sullivan was naked. Judge Moran asked that the accused be brought into the courtroom to inform him how he intended to plead to the charge.

Mr O’Sullivan subsequently appeared wearing just boxer shorts and a pair of socks. “I know I’m not dressed appropriately, I’m sorry,” Mr O’Sullivan told Judge Moran.

Mr O’Sullivan, with addresses at Parkview Apartments, Limerick and, John Street Limerick, pleaded guilty to theft of wallet, cash, bank cards and bus pass from a 50-year-old partially paralysed man at Newbridge Road, Ennis, on August 31, 2013.

Mr O’Sullivan represented himself having dismissed his legal team last week. Judge Moran told Mr O’Sullivan his case would be dealt with later in the day.

“Put on some clothes Mr O’Sullivan, you’ll feel more comfortable,” he said.

Mr O’Sullivan reappeared in court some hours later wearing a white striped hoodie; black t-shirt, jeans and runners.

Garda Cyril Paige of Ennis Garda Station said the victim, who walks with the aid of a walking stick, had stopped to rest near the Club Bridge. He said Mr O’Sullivan approached the man, distracted him and stole the items.

A passing motorist witnessed the theft. Gardaí were alerted and Mr O’Sullivan was arrested at the nearby Ennis Swimming Pool.

The court heard the accused has 121 previous convictions. Prosecuting counsel Stephen Coughlan told the court Mr O’Sullivan was on bail when he committed the offence.

Mr O’Sullivan told Judge Moran he had suffered the loss of a number of family members including the recent death in Limerick of his aunt.

Asked by Judge Moran why he had made such a racket earlier in the day, Mr O’Sullivan said he had received wedges and three chicken nuggets while other people in custody got snack boxes. He pleaded with Judge Moran not to impose a consecutive prison sentence. Noting that the accused will spend the next 18 months in prison serving another sentence, Judge Moran adjourned the case to September for a probation and psychiatric report.

CLARE County Council has been allocated € 368,000 under the Government’s Special Resolution Fund (SRF) for Unfinished Housing Developments.

The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government has approved the council’s application for funding to enable works to be undertaken at two local housing developments, namely the Aisling Estate on the Lahinch Road in Ennis and Bruachlan/An Grianan in Westbury.

Clare County Council says it will now commence a period of engagement with the relevant stakeholders at the locations concerned with a view to commencing works.

Mayor of Clare Councillor Joe Arkins welcomed the funding announcement, adding, “Engagement from all key stakeholders is critical to progressing the proposed resolution of these sites. I believe the funding enables Clare County Council to provide a solution to these unfinished estates which have been deteriorating over the past number of years and impacting negatively on the residents and the landscape in the area.”

Commenting on the background to the funding allocation, Bernadette Haugh, Administrative Officer, Planning & Enterprise, stated, “The successful application is part of the council’s ongoing focus on unfinished estates throughout the county. A team from the Planning & Enterprise section of the council has been focusing on this issue and will continue to work towards solutions on the many developments where difficulties are being experienced throughout the county.”

Ms Haugh explained that Clare County Council will now engage with the Bondholders AIB, NAMA and the owner of the land in relation to the Aisling site to agree how the proposed site resolution will be progressed. Similar discussions will be undertaken with Grant Thornton who are the appointed receivers in relation to the Westbury site.

“The drawdown of approved funding will commence immediately in order to advance the early execution of the works. Once the programme of works has been agreed Clare County Council will organise an information session with residents in the area of these development to outline how the proposed resolution process will proceed. The condition of the funding requires that the proposed works are completed by the end of 2014,” added Ms Haugh.

THREE people endured a terrifying ordeal when their car was set upon by an armed gang of teenagers in Ennis earlier this month.

Gardaí are investigating the incident, which occurred on Friday, May 2, in the Showgrounds Road area of Ennis.

Gardaí were called to the scene af- ter receiving a call of a violent disturbance at Showground’s Court on Drumbiggle Court.

The incident is thought to have occurred sometime between 11pm and midnight on the date in question.

It is believed a car parked in the area was set upon by a gang of around seven or eight teenagers.

Bottles of beer were taken from the boot of the car. The driver of the car is also believed to have been struck in the face with a bottle. The keys of the car along with a small sum of cash were also taken. The Clare People understands that one of the young males suspected of being involved in the attack was carrying a kitchen knife.

The three males who were in the car at the time were said to be “terrified” during the ordeal. One Garda source described the attack on the car and it’s occupants as “vicious”.

Gardaí have launched an investigation into the matter. At least one teenager has been arrested and questioned in relation to the incident. He was subsequently released without charge. It is thought that all those suspected of being involved are under the age of 18.

Investigations into the matter are continuing and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Mary CARROLL (née Cronin)
, 72 Rossbracken, Shannon. Laid to rest in St Mary’s Church Grounds, Rathkeale. May she rest in peace.

Bernadette (Etta) JONES (née Mc
Namara)

IN ITS last ever meeting on Thursday night, the nine members of Kilrush Town Council merely tied up loose ends before paying tribute to the 129-year history of the local authority and reiterating their belief that the town council would be reinstated.

Signing off on its financial accounts which will be amalgamated with the Clare County Council budget from June 1, the members also agreed to past one unanimous motion calling on “on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to establish a commission to bring forward recommendations on meaningful reform of local government at town council level that will eventually lead to the restoration of democratic structures at town council level in the near future”.

In his final mayoral address, the man who will be recorded as the last ever mayor of Kilrush, Paul Moroney (Ind) led tributes to the council staff for their dedication to Kilrush town through the years.

“It is a sad day for all of us,” he told the past members, staff and families who had gathered in Kilrush Court House, “but as I said at he outset we have chosen to celebrate the achievements of the council rather than wallow in regret and tearful recrimination.”

Cllr Ian Lynch (Ind) likened the proceedings to the “wake of a good friend”, while Cllr Mairead O’Brien (Ind) said she would have fond memories of her term on the council.

Meanwhile Cllr Liam Williams (FG) spoke of the short sightedness of the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan for his decision to dissolve all town councils,. “I hope people will continue to get involved in other projects now to keep the town thriving,” he said.

Cllr Marian McMahon Jones (FG), Cllr Tom Clyne (FF) and Cllr Tom Prendeville (FF) also regretted the passing of the council while Cllr Christy O’Malley (FF) remained hopeful for the future of the town with the words, “I trust our successors will progress our work further.”

For Cllr Liam O’Looney (FF) the end of the council was also the end of a family tradition.

“It was a tradition that went before me,” he said remembering his father William who served on Kilrush Town Council before him, and lamented that fact his daughter and two sons could not follow in his footsteps.

A 22-YEAR-OLD man has received a suspended sentence for his role in a violent burglary at an apartment in Ennis last summer.

Darren Maughan (22) was one of two people who broke into 15 Sandfield Mews between 12.30 and 12.45am on July 23, 2013. He assaulted Declan O’Dea who was asleep in bed at the time.

Mr O’Dea, in a state of fear, jumped from a first floor window to escape Mr Maughan, breaking his ankle when he hit the ground, Ennis Circuit Criminal Court heard yesterday. In March, Mr Maughan, with an address at Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis, pleaded guilty to entering the apartment as a trespasser and committing an arrestable offence therein, assault causing harm to Declan O’Dea.

Yesterday the court heard Mr Maughan was on bail at the time for another assault he committed in Drumbiggle Drive, on January 20, 2013, to which he also pleaded guilty.

Judge Carroll Moran yesterday gave Mr Maughan an immediate two-year prison sentence for the assault at Drumbiggle and imposed a two year suspended sentence for the offence at Sandfield Mews.

Giving evidence in respect of the burglary at 15 Sandfield Mews, Detective Inspector John Galvin (Ennis Garda Station) told the court Mr Maughan and a companion broke into the apartment after failing to gain entry.

The court heard Mr Maughan went into Mr O’Dea’s room and started to beat him “viciously” around the head. Det Insp Galvin said the victim was so fearful he jumped from the first floor window. The court heard Mr O’Dea broke his ankle and lay in bushes for a period of between 90 minutes and two hours when gardaí were called to the scene.

The court heard both parties had consumed a number of bottles of vodka earlier in the day. Det Insp Galvin agreed with prosecuting counsel Stephen Coughlan’s view that Mr Maughan had consumed a “vast” amount of alcohol.

“Intoxicated beyond comprehension is the best way I could describe it,” added Det Insp Galvin.

The court heard that between 2009 and 2014 Mr Maughan received 53 convictions for offences including assault, public order and criminal damage.

Det Insp Galvin agreed with defence counsel Lorcan Connolly’s assessment that all of Mr Maughan’s past offences arose from problems with drink.

Counsel said, “He’s not a bad lad, save and except when he’s the drink on board.” Mr Connolly said his client wished to apologise for his offence. Counsel said his client had pleaded guilty at an early stage and is undergoing a number of educational programmes in prison.

In the witness box, Mr Maughan Judge Moran “I’m stopping drinking for life when I get out. I want to change my life around.”

Judge Moran said the accused has “clearly a propensity for violence when he is drunk” and has an “appalling record”.

He imposed the two year sentence for assault at Drumbiggle but agreed to suspend a consecutive two year sentence for the offence at Sandfield on condition Mr Maughan abstain from drink and be of good behaviour for five years.