Emer Connolly

A ROW on the steps of Ennis courthouse between two feuding Traveller families has prompted a judge to hit out at the behaviour involved.
The warning, from Judge Timothy Lucey, came as a number of those involved pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the incident on June 8, 2009.
Ennis District Court was told that  a row broke out between two feuding Traveller families.
Arising out of the incident, John McDonagh Snr (50), of Childers Road Ennis, pleaded guilty to assault.
Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court that gardaí observed a man lying on the ground and the defendant kicked him into the head three times.
“It was a very mean act,” said the inspector.
Defending solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client “has led a blameless life. He was significantly taunted during the day.”
“He was being offered severe provocation and that was his response,” she said.
Judge Lucey said, “Nobody should be conducting themselves like that in or about the courthouse. If people commit public order or assault on the steps of the courthouse it is a very serious matter. The facts are quite serious on their own. This man kicked the other person into the head three times.”
He imposed a three-month jail term, but suspended this for six months, on condition that he enter a bond to keep the peace.
He fixed a bond in the event of an appeal.
The court was told that Jim McDonagh (18), of Dún na hInse, Lahinch Road, Ennis, was heard shouting, “If I get near you I’ll f***ing kill you.”
He pleaded guilty to a public order offence.
His solicitor told the court, “The provocation that was offered was more than he can bear.”
Judge Lucey said, “I can understand how people lose the head but he’d want to cop on. He must get a grip on himself.
“It’s a very serious matter to conduct any of this in the environs of the courthouse. The law can’t be threatened by people chasing each other around the courthouse.”
He fined him €300.