This article is from page 32 of the 2013-10-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
TWO Galway men involved in a row at a stag party in Lahinch earlier this year have been told to be more careful when they are out.
Martin Frehill (31) and Kevin Kilkenny (42), both with addresses at Kill, Kiltormer, Ballinasloe, Galway, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
Mr Frehill pleaded guilty to provoking a breach of the peace and failing to comply with the direction of a garda.
Mr Kilkenny (42) pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the direction of a garda.
The charges relate to an incident at The Promenade, Lahinch, on July 6.
Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court that gardai were called to deal with an incident at O’Looney’s pub.
The court heard Mr Frehill verbally abused and pushed one garda, calling him a “f***ing p**** and a f***ing b*****x”.
Insp Gallagher said Mr Kilkenny then intervened and refused to leave the scene when directed to do so by a garda.
Neither man has any previous convictions.
Eight people in total were charged in connection with the incident.
The court heard that a number of the men have since returned to work in Australia.
Bench warrants were issued for their arrest when they failed to show up in court in July.
Defence solicitor John Casey told the court that a younger member of the group became involved in a row when he was refused entry to the pub.
Mr Casey said his clients had spent the day drinking.
He said they never behaved like that before and rang gardaí the next day to apologise.
Judge Patrick Durcan said the men were welcome to attend stag parties in Clare but were not entitled to abuse gardaí and members of the public.
“If you’re involved in a stag weekend again, be more careful,” he added.
Judge Durcan ordered both men to pay € 250 to the court poor box.