This article is from page 4 of the 2013-12-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
A CASE where it is alleged a GAA fan ran onto a pitch during a Clare club football game and kicked a player in the head is to be heard in the Circuit Court.
After hearing an outline of the alleged assault, Judge Patrick Durcan refused jurisdiction at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
Eamon Leahy (51) has been charged with assault causing harm of football player Richard Carmody (29) during a football match at Wolfe Tones camogie grounds on May 12.
The alleged assault is alleged to have occurred during a Division 6 Junior B football match between Wolfe Tones and Killimer.
Mr Leahy, with an address at Cronan Park, Shannon, appeared before Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the case in the district court on a plea of guilty only.
Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett said he had reviewed evidence and written to the DPP. Mr Hassett said his client had indicated he would plead guilty on the basis that he struck the alleged injured party just once.
Mr Hassett said witnesses had given varying accounts of what happened on the day.
Insp Kennedy said it was acceptable to the State for the case to proceed on the basis Mr Leahy struck one blow.
Judge Patrick Durcan requested an outline of the alleged facts to allow him consider jurisdiction.
The court heard Mr Leahy’s son Daragh was playing corner forward for Wolfe Tones when an incident developed on the pitch.
Insp Kennedy explained Eamon Leahy left his position on the sideline when a skirmish involving a number of people developed on the pitch.
“The State will say Mr Leahy came in from the sideline and kicked Richard Carmody (Killimer) in the head on the ground.
“It was a severe kick,” he added.
After viewing a medical report of the injuries suffered by the alleged victim, Judge Durcan said, “This man was kicked into the face, into the teeth. He was kicked unconscious.”
Insp Kennedy said, “He [Carmody] was dizzy, when he tried to get back on his feet he collapsed and lost consciousness.”
After hearing the alleged facts, Judge Durcan refused jurisdiction. He extended time for the service of the book of evidence.