This article is from page 19 of the 2014-04-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
FOUR people involved in what a Judge described as an “unseemly” pub row in Corofin have been bound to the peace.
Sisters Fiona Concannon (38) and Rebecca Concannon (35) were allegedly involved in an altercation with their uncle, Valentine Bane and his partner Sharon McGrath (41) in Crowley’s Bar, Main Street, Corofin on September 16, 2012.
After hearing evidence in the case, Judge Patrick Durcan said the “most unseemly”, “most appalling” and “most gross” behaviour had occurred in Crowley’s on the night.
Ms McGrath, with an address at Newtown Corofin, denied a charge of assault to Rebecca Concannon.
Fiona Concannon, with addresses at Newtown Corofin and Poulanine, Carron denied assaulting Mr Bane and Ms McGrath.
Judge Durcan dismissed the charge of assault on Mr Bane after saying no evidence had been offered in the prosecution.
Rebecca Concannon, with an address at Radharc an tSeidean, Corofin, denied assaulting Ms McGrath. Mr Bane, who also lives at Newtown Corofin, was not charged with any offence but was bound over to the peace after Judge Durcan said he had played a role in events at Crowley’s.
Sharon McGrath gave evidence that she and Mr Bane were in three pubs prior to going to Crowley’s. She said she was approached by Fiona Concannon. Ms McGrath said Ms Concannon said, “Will you get that boyfriend of yours to stop sticking his tongue out at my 60 year old mother”. The court heard Mr Bane is a brother of Ms Concannon’s mother.
Mr Bane denied making the gestures. He said the row “took off” by the door of the pub after he was “niggled” by another man and got an elbow in the back.
Rebecca Concannon told the court there was a “bit of gregging” in the pub and that Mr Bane shouted “C’mon Shrek” to another man in their company.
At this point in proceedings, Judge Durcan asked Inspector Tom Kennedy who Shrek was and if he could spell it. Insp Kennedy said Shrek was a cartoon character.
Judge Durcan also asked Insp Kennedy, “What’s gregging? Another example of Corofinese?”
Insp Kennedy said that he had never heard the phrase before and that it must only be used in Corofin.
Judge Durcan told solicitors for the parties that in his view these were extremely serious alleged assaults and carried serious penalties on conviction.
He said he was adjourning the case for 25 minutes. He said if parties decided not to go into evidence, he would impose a binding over order.
When the case resumed, solicitor for Ms McGrath, Daragh Hassett said his client was willing to be bound to the peace. Solicitor for the Concannons, Patrick Moylan told Judge Durcan his clients were not.
The case continued and heard from independent witness, publican Colm Carey. He said an incident developed between the Concannons and two people.
Mr Carey said he managed to halt the altercation by managing to get the other two people out the door.
Mr Carey said Fiona Concannon was not present in the pub when the incident developed.
Delivering his verdict, Judge Durcan said, “Nobody comes out of this prosecution smelling of roses other than the publican.”
Judge Durcan said two different versions had been given of events in Crowley’s. He said he had no alternative but to dismiss all outstanding charges against the Concannons and Ms McGrath.
He made an order binding Ms McGrath, Mr Bane and the Concannon sisters to the peace for a period of two years.
The parties were given 14 days to enter into the bond. Recognizance’s were fixed in each case in the event of any appeals.