This article is from page 17 of the 2013-10-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
THE cases of two people charged with illegally entering the runway of Shannon Airport have been adjourned to next month.
It is alleged peace activists Niall Farrell (60) and Margaretta Darcy (79) on October 7 (2012) and September 1 (2013) interfered with the proper use of Shannon Airport by going on the runway without permission.
The alleged offences are contrary to the Air Navigation and Transport Act.
Earlier this month Mr Farrell, with an address at Ballynacloghy, Maree, Galway, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ms Darcy, with an address at St Bridget’s Place, Woodquay, Galway, has also pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Their cases were listed at Ennis District Court on Wednesday to fix a date for hearing.
The cases were further adjourned after it emerged in court that Ms Darcy is in hospital receiving treatment.
Mr Farrell, who wore an orange Guantanamo Bay style prison jumpsuit, handed in a letter from the Galway Hospital to the court confirming Ms Darcy’s absence.
In a previous hearing related to the case Judge Durcan issued a warning that he would not tolerate his court being used as a platform for press conferences or political purposes. As well as Guantanamo style jumpsuits, activists have appeared in court wearing ‘Obama facemasks.’
Inspector Tom Kennedy said he had been notified Ms Darcy was in hospital.
“I have no reason to doubt that,” he added. Judge Patrick Durcan adjourned the cases to November 6.