Category: News

THE scope of any plans to develop or enhance the recreational and leisure potential of Ballyalla Lake would be limited by the legal designation of the area, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has warned.

Seamus Hassett, NPWS District Conservation Officer, told a public meeting that consent is required in order for certain activity to take place on the lake.

He said the recently established Ballyalla Working Group would have to bear in mind the legal designation of the site.

The area is subject to three levels of protection, the meeting heard.

Ballyalla is a wildlife sanctuary, a special area of conservation and a special protection area.

The area is a habitat for around 2,000 to 3,000 birds.

David Lyons of the NPWS told the meeting that there has been a decrease in the numbers of some birds at the lake.

Mr Hassett said the lake’s legal designations does not prohibit activity on the lake. However he said any proposals to increase activity would have to go through a “screening” process.

John Murphy of Birdwatch Ireland said there are many issues around the lake that are disrupting the bird population.

He described any proposal to select Ballyalla, as Ennis’ flagship lakeside amenity as “crazy”.

He suggested that Lough Girroga would be a more suitable location for water-based activities.

Mr Murphy warned against development around Ballyalla that would upset the “distinct wildlife of the area”.

Clare Fine Gael TD, Deputy Joe Carey told the meeting that Ballyalla Lake needs to be utlished more by people in Ennis.

He added, “Obviously there are sensibilities around development. But there is no reason why it can’t be developed in a sensitive way.”

Cllr Tony Mulqueen (FG) said he believes that the lake has been “overused” in recent years. He said Ballyalla should be preserved and any plans for water sport activities confined to waterways between Clarecastle and Ennis.

A GREATER focus on environmentally-friendly water-based activities at Ballyalla Lake could create opportunities for employment around Ennis, a meeting has heard.

Rowing clubs and businesses involved in water sports were among those to address a public meeting called to discuss issues concerning the future of Ballyalla Lake.

Ennis-based businessman John Dillane said anything that provides employment for young people in Ennis must be encouraged.

He said, “We’re coming into a time of the year where students are going to be looking for summer jobs and there are very few out there…A lot of things could be done around Ballyalla to generate summer employment.

Mr Dillane, a former President of Ennis Chamber, added, “It is extremely important that we do something that will create jobs for young people in the town.”

Alan Coote of Clare Kayak Hire told the meeting that there is demand for a water sports centre near Ennis.

He explained, “At the minute everything seems to be up around Lahinch. There is nothing in the town. I see people doing kayak trips in Corofin, Inchiquinn but I really think there is a need in Ennis for a water sports centre.”

Mr Coote, who runs kayak and stand up paddleboat classes, said any increased activity would not impact on the wildlife in the area.

He said, “There would be no motors, no pollution. The noise would be minimal for wildlife and people around the area. I think there is an opportunity to create jobs. In Ennis it could be all year around with the schools. There are around 5,000 school kids in Ennis. I talked to a good few people who said they have to factor in the cost of travelling for school trips. They would rather there was something in the town.

“Everything I’m talking about doing is going to be real eco-friendly. There isn’t going to be any noise pollution. We won’t be going in around where the birds are,” added Mr Coote.

Síle Ní Dheargáin is the co-founder of the popular Clarecastle-based Fergus Rowers Club

Ms Ní Dheargáin said access to Ballyalla has been hugely beneficial for the club.

She said, “Every Saturday we have Ballyalla Lake taken over from 11am to 3pm in the day. We have the two boats going constantly. We have one senior rower out on the boat, training them in. It’s a really safe environment; there are no currents. In Clarecastle there is a tidal aspect so you need that bit more experience to bring in boats when the tide is going out.”

Ms Ní Dheargáin said Ballyalla could be improved from a water sports perspective by the addition of secure storage space for boats and other facilities such as handrails and a pontoon.

ALMOST 80 per cent of Clare householders have paid the household charge. Householders have until today (Tuesday) to ensure their registration for the property tax is in the post and appropriately post marked.

It is possible to register on line before May 28.

While it is unknown how many Clare properties have been registered it has been revealed that 79.5 per cent of property owners in Clare are compliant with last year’s household charge.

Homeowners in County Clare who have not yet registered their property for the Household Charge, as opposed to the property tax, are being reminded that the charge can be paid up to June 30. As of May 1, a total of 36,400 residential property owners in Clare have registered their property for the Household Charge, equating to a compliance rate of 79.5 per cent compared to the national compliance rate of 74% (1,198,091 households).

Residential property owners are also being reminded that they will be required to demonstrate compliance with the Household Charge legislation when selling a property; non-compliance will complicate the conveyancing process.

Meanwhile those with a second property have added property bills before the end of next month.

Clare County Council has reminded property owners affected by the Non-Principal Private Residence (NPPR) scheme that the deadline for payment of the € 200 charge for 2013 is June 30. The annual charge applies to any residential property in which the owner does not reside as their normal place of residence.

It also applies to vacant residential property and properties where the owners live abroad. NPPR property owners are liable for the charge in 2013 in addition to the half-year Local Property Tax.

Seamus Halpin, Senior Executive Officer, Finance Department of Clare County Council, said; “The NPPR Charge, which was introduced under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 set an annual charge of € 200 per residence, with a significant late payment fee. A € 20 late payment fee will apply in respect of each month or part of a month per each annual charge during which the charge remains unpaid. Anyone who has not registered and is liable to the NPPR charge has already accrued significant late payment fees on their property.”

DISCUSSIONS have taken place between senior management from the Health Service’s Executive (HSE) and Ennis Town Council over the provision of accommodation for a man who admits setting fire to a nursing home.

The meetings were highlighted at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court last Thursday during the case of James Sherlock (24).

Mr Sherlock, a wheelchair bound amputee formerly of 16 Childers Road, Ennis, has pleaded guilty to causing arson at the Lakes Nursing Home, Killaloe on August 20 (2010). Sentencing in the case had previously been adjourned to see if a suitable residential placing could be found for Mr Sherlock.

The accused was not in court last week as he was staying in the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick. Eoin Ryan, Senior Probation Officer for the Ennis area, told the court that Mr Sherlock was medically fit to be discharged “but has nowhere to go.”

He said no appropriate accommodation is available for Mr Sherlock.

Mr Ryan explained that due to Mr Sherlock’s past behavioural difficulties and his conviction for arson, many nursing homes and hostels would not accept him due to insurance issues.

He said he was aware that the matter has been discussed between the HSE and Ennis Town Council.

Counsel for Mr Sherlock, Pat Whyms BL, told the court on Monday that his client had discharged himself from the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.

Judge Gerard Keyes said he was “very conscious” that Mr Sherlock was not present in court.

He said he was of the view that there would be “absolutely nothing to be gained by imposing a custodial sentence on this man.”

“The State has to provide facilities for this man,” he added.

Judge Keyes said he would be prepared to impose a suspended sentence on condition that Mr Sherlock “respect the facilities afforded to him without any interference or unacceptable behaviour.”

He said he hoped his comments would alleviate some of the concerns of accomdation providers.

The case was adjourned until yesterday (Monday). It was further adjourned until June.

RECEIVING your First Holy Communion used to be a traditional celebration of receiving a holy sacrement for the first time; nowadays parents are spending hundreds of euros on what has become somewhat of a competition.

Many fear that My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding has set a trend of vulumtuous dresses and extravagant parties that are costing parents up to € 600, according to a survey conducted by EBS; but is this true for our home town of Ennis and have we lost sight of Catholic practice and fallen into the trap of hypocrisy and mass delusion?

Despite the on-going economic crisis, the amount of money being spent on a child’s First Holy Communion has increased dramatically over the last few years.

It empties the already dwindling pay-packets of parents and, in fact, the earnings of a typical eight year old child making their First Holy Communion could pay for majority of the party.

The survey shows that in 2011 thousands of Irish children received monetary gifts to the value of nearly € 350. The survey further suggests that in 2013 their days makings will add up to nearly € 500 – almost enough to pay off the average party.

Barefield National School Principal, Mr John Burns said “Families are generally sensible and curtail the costs within their budgets. However, there are a minority of people who can be extravagant and can expend a considerable amount of money, which they may not have.

“In my time, we went home. The evening was spent at home with my family and relations. Today, families use hotels or organise caterers for home dining with the all important bouncing castle.

“It is a most exciting day as it involves the whole family being connected together in preparing for this wonderful sacrament. It is not meant to be a one day religious ceremony. It is for life”.

There is however, only so much that can be taught in our schools. Whilst our teachers prepare and educate our children for their big day in every way possible, home is their biggest influence. The home is the “domestic Church”, and also where the heart is.

When the public were asked their opinion on cost control during First Holy Communion time some felt that parents let their children get away with the fancy dress and extravagant parties. However, Emily McGrath believes that “it’s still under the con- trol of the parents and it’s up to the parents to make a stand and say how much they are prepared to say.

“There was much more family involvement when I made my first holy communion”, Ms McGrath continued, “there would have been a big reception, but there still would have been emphasis on the dress.

“I think people tend to forget that the obsession with fancy communion dresses goes back quite a long way, it’s not just today.

What is really important is realising that this is your child’s day to take “centre stage” and for their relationship with God to further grow and flourish.

Fr Ger Fitzgerald of the Killaloe Diocese believes that too much focus can sometimes be put on the aftershow and that some forget what is really important on the big day.

“I think it easy to sensationalise big dresses and hummers whilst missing the kernel of truth that shows us that there is real faith on display here, in the prayer of the children.

“It is I believe also easy to bemoan the fact that there are the presence of hummers and outlandish dresses”, he continued, “but, I think that we, as priests and Church, should try to educate a little more.

Fr Fitzgerald further stated that during “our teaching and preaching we should try to point out that maybe the First Holy Communion is perhaps not the place for these things as it can distract not only the adults but also the children from what has taken place.

“I think that if we highlight the “extras” we, the Church and media, should work together to highlight as well the absolutely necessary components, those being the joy with which the children come to receive and also the faith they display in their prayer and in their wonder and awe in the presence of something that is greater than all of us combined. They are a joy to us and many of us could learn from their example of simplicity, true humility and love of God”.

Ennis National School recieved their First Holy Communion two weeks ago and, according to Fr Fitzgerald, “they sat there, rapt in attention, hands joined, watchin. In their world, they knew something was happening, something special.

“As I looked on”, Fr Fitzgerald continued, “one could effortlessly see that they knew this was a special day and that Jesus, their friend, was coming to them in a new way. In the way they prayed, in the way they behaved, in the way they watched and paid attention and most specifically in the way they received, they demonstrated that they at that moment were close to Jesus and that is what communion is ultimately about, a relationship with the Lord”.

AN ENNIS man convicted of intimidating his brother-in-law has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Last October, Martin Joyce (22), with addresses at 113 Dun na hInse, Ennis and 2 St Patrick’s Mews, Clarecastle, was found guilty by a jury of the intimidation of his brother-in-law Michael Ward and Mr Ward’s wife, Rose Ward.

The offences were committed while Mr Joyce was on bail, Ennis Circuit Criminal Court heard on Friday.

He was acquitted of a charge of threatening to kill Mr Ward at Shannon Airport on May 3 2011.

The Wards had travelled to Clare from England to give evidence at an arson trial against the Mr Joyce’s brother David. David Joyce was acquitted of the charge.

Sentencing in Martin Joyce’s case had been delayed pending the finali- sation of another case in the Midlands.

On Friday, Counsel for the State, Stephen Coughlan BL, said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had decided that Mr Joyce’s case could proceed to sentencing.

Judge Gerard Keyes said the victims in the case had given sworn evidence that they felt “frightened and intimidated” of Martin Joyce and were afraid to come to court.

He said that in their victim impact statement, the Wards said they lived in a “twilight world” unable to attend family occasions such as weddings and funerals.

Judge Keyes said intimidation of witnesses is a “serious matter and goes to undermine the whole justice system.”

He said people who witness crime must feel safe to come forward “otherwise anarchy would prevail and we would end up with a lawless society.”

Judge Keyes commended the Wards for their “resilience and bravery” for enabling the trial to proceed.

The court heard that Mr Joyce has 32 previous convictions, the majority for road traffic offences.

Noting the length of time it has taken for sentencing to be finalized, Judge Keyes imposed a two-year sentence on both counts to run concurrently.

Judge Keyes suspended the final six months of the sentence on condition that Mr Joyce have no direct or indirect contact with Michael and Rose Ward.

He backdated the sentence to September 30 (2012) in acknowledgement of the length of time Mr Joyce had spent on remand.

Addressing Mr Joyce, Judge Keyes said there should not be any more difficulties between the families.

Mr Joyce replied;

“There won’t be Judge. Thanks very much.”

A DISTRICT
Court Judge has hit out at what he called the“abuse” of the courts system in Clare. Judge Patrick Durcan was speaking during at Ennis District Court Wednesday after being informed of a proposed change in legal representation for a Limerick man. Solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that she had been asked by Limerick solicitor John Devanne to take over the case of Martin Casey (22). Mr Casey, with an address at Bay 6Toppings Field, John CarewPark, Limerick, is accused of handling stolen property – a green blade hedge trimmer and Efco Chainsaw- at Carrahill Crusheen on February 27 (2013). Mr Casey is also alleged to have handled a stolen Stihl chainsawat the same location and date. After being told of Mr Casey’s proposed change in legal representation, Judge Durcan said he was getting “very tired of abuse of the courts systemwhere people are coming on an off record.” He said if a solicitor ceases to represent someone, then“they should showrespect to the court, the registrar, the client, to showup and come off record.” Judge Durcan added,“This isn’t the London Underground where people can simply can come on and off.” Judge Patrick Durcan adjourned the case to May 1 when he said he would consider Mr Devannes application to come off record. Another Limerick man also appeared in court charged with the incident at Crusheen. Anthony Quinlivan (18), with an address at 12 ElmPlace, Rathbane, Roxboro Road, Limerick, is charged with handling a green blade hedge trimmer, Efco chainsawand Stihl chainsawat Crusheen on February 27. Mr Quinlivan is also charged with having an article which had a blade or which was sharply pointed at the same location and date. Mr Quinlivan was represented by solicitor Fiona Hehir. His case was adjourned until May 1.

THE cases
of two men charged with offences arising out of an alleged incident at Ennis Courthouse are to be heard next month. Anthony Doherty (27) and Dylan Dinan (20) were both before Ennis District Court on Wednesday. Mr Doherty, with an address at 30 Lenabeg, Lahinch Road, Ennis, is charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace at Ennis Courthouse on January 16 (2013). Mr Dinan, with an address at 6Waterpark Court, Drumbiggle, Ennis, is charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace at Ennis Courthouse on January 16 (2013). He also charged with assault at the same location and date. Mr Doherty is represented by solicitor John Casey. Mr Dinan is represented by solicitor Tara Godfrey. CCTV evidence is to be sought in the case, the court heard. The cases were adjourned for hearing until May 20.

A MAN
found in possession of a Stanley knife in a pub in Ennis has received a suspended sentence. At Ennis District Court onTuesday, Darren Maughan (21) pleaded guilty to possession of a knife at Knox’s Bar,Abbey Street, Ennis on February 2 (2013). Inspector TomKennedy told the court that gardaí were called to deal a public order incident at Knox’s involving Mr Maughan. Gardai searched Mr Maughan and found that he was carrying a knife for “no good reason.” Mr Maughan, with an address at 20 Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis also pleaded guilty to stealing seven bottles of wine fromNext-Door offlicense, Gort Road on April 16 (2013). Mr Maughan also pleaded guilty to a charge of assault at Ennis Courthouse. Defence solicitor WilliamCahir said his client is a young man who has “chronic problems with alcohol.” He said Mr Maughan had recently tackled his problems before but had recently “fallen off the wagon”. Judge Eamon O’Brien imposed a nine month suspended sentence in relation to the offences at Knox’s. All other matters were taken into consideration. Judge O’Brien said he would suspend the sentence on condition that Mr Maughan enter a bond to be of good behaviour. He told Mr Maughan he should join Alcoholic’s Anonymous (AA).

CLARE opposition to a massive organic fish farm planned for off the North Clare coast took shape following a mass meeting of local fishermen and women in New Quay.

The meeting, which was originally organised by Clare TD Michael McNamara (Lab) as a means of developing local coastal businesses, turned into a virtual campaign meeting to oppose the proposed fish farm – which locals claims is the biggest threat to indigenous local fish industries. The proposed twin fish farms will cover 500 acres of water off the Doolin and Fanore coast if it given the green lights by the Department of Agriculture. Government agency Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) have proposed that a licence be granted for a third party operator to build and manage the farm – which they claim will create 500 jobs.

These claims are being opposed by a number of groups, including Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFA) – a second government agency, who claim that the project will create far fewer jobs and will also destroy a large number of smaller local businesses.

Doolin local, Mattie Shannon, attended the meeting and said that the vast majority of local people are against the fish farm. “Everybody who attended the meeting and has anything to do with fishing or Doolin or the Aran Islands was against the proposed giant fish farm. BIM are proposing to build 10 of these off the west coast – from Mizen Head to Malin Head,” he said.

“There are a number of large fish farms like this in Canada but, under their own regulations, a farm of this size would no longer be allowed in Canada. It really is massive, it is half the size of Inis Oirr.

“They are dangling theses jobs in front of people. They started off talking about 300 jobs and then they upped it to 500 jobs. It is quite possible that there are a large number of jobs in it but whether these jobs are for local Clare people in another thing,” he said.

“At the same time this will destabilise jobs that are there already in smaller family operations all along Galway Bay. South west are the main winds in that area, so any contamination or spills or anything like that will wash in to us and effect all the small industries that are there already. I don’t know why we are talking about threatening jobs that are there already to create jobs for some multinational company.”

A JUDGE has rejected a Clarecastle man’s offer to pay € 5,000 compensation to a plasterer he assaulted with a golf club 17 months ago.

David Casey suffered a fractured skull when he was assaulted by Ian Considine (25) at St Joseph’s Terrace, Clarecastle, in the early hours of December 27 (2011).

Mr Considine, with an address at 55 St Joseph’s Terrace, Clarecastle, appeared at Ennis Circuit Crminal Court on Friday.

Judge Gerard Keyes rejected Mr Considine’s compensation offer, saying he was conscious of the perception that exists that people can attempt to “buy” a suspended sentence.

In February, Mr Considine pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Mr Casey, a father of two who also lives in the St Joseph’s Terrace area.

The court heard that on the night in question Mr Casey was involved in an incident outside the Considine family home.

Garda Niamh Browne of Ennis Garda Station said Mr Casey threw a crutch at the door and broke one of the windows.

Members of the accused’s family including his father came outside, the court heard.

Mr Considine, who lives near the home, was awoken by his sister and arrived at the scene armed with a golf club, the court heard.

Counsel for the State Stephen Coughlan BL, told the court that for want of a better expression, Mr Considine, “literally pole-axed Mr Casey”.

Mr Casey was transferred to the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick and later Cork University Hospital.

He sustained a right frontal skull fracture and 6cm laceration.

Mr Casey required further treatment in 2012 to remove skull fragments that were “leaning on his brain”, the court heard.

In his victim impact report, Mr Casey said the incident had greatly affected his life.

He said he had been unable to work since the assault. He said he is worried every time he goes to the doctor.

Mr Casey added, “I have no grudge against Mr Considine.

“I want to put this behind me and move onto the next chapter of my life. …. “What is done is done and there is nothing we can do about it now.”

Defence Counsel Kenneth Kerins, said his client, a qualified carpenter, made a “very foolish and rash decision” on the night.

Mr Kerins added, “He stands before the court genuinely remorseful.”

Mr Considine has no previous conviction and has not come to garda attention since the assault, the court heard. Mr Kerins said there had no further incidents between the parties.

The court heard Mr Considine de- scribed as a hardworking, reliable man.

The father of two is a long serving member of Manus Celtic soccer club.

Mr Kerins said his client would be willing to pay € 5000 compensation to the injured party.

Judge Gerard Keyes said he found the figure too low, noting the length of time the victim had been out of work.

Judge Keyes said he was also conscious of the perception that exists among the public that defendants can attempt to “buy” a suspended sentence.

Judge Keyes indicated that he might accept a figure of € 10,000 but added that payment is no guarantee that a suspended sentence will be imposed.

Judge Keyes said he required time to consider the case in greater length.

He added; “I cannot ignore the seriousness of the injuries inflicted on this man with a golf club.”

A CAMPAIGNER for the homeless is facing a possible prison sentence after being convicted of stealing almost € 27,000 from an 87 year resident of St Joseph’s Hospital in Ennis. At Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, a jury convicted Josephine O’Brien (59) on nine of 10 counts of theft from the bank account of Stephen O’Halloran.

Ms O’Brien, with an address at 15 Bridgeview, Roslevan, was found guilty of stealing € 26, 503 on dates between July 2006 and October 2010. The pair first met when they were patients living in Ennis General Hospital. They subsequently lived together in rented accommodation.

The two-day trial heard that after Mr O’Halloran became a resident of St Joseph’s Hospital in December 2005, he gave Ms O’Brien his ATM card for the account that received his English pension.

The court heard that when enquiries were made to arrange for the pension to pay for Mr O’Halloran’s care in St Joseph’s, there was very little money left in the account.

Ms O’Brien admitted making the transactions over the period from January 2006 to October 2010, claiming she had consent to do so.

The court heard evidence from Mr O’Halloran who said she did not have the authority to make the withdrawals. The court heard that Mr O’Halloran said Ms O’Brien visited him for the first six months of his stay in St Joseph’s but that the visits stopped after June 2006.

This was disputed by Ms O’Brien. The court also heard evidence from Detective Garda Beatrice Ryan who investigated the theft.

In a Garda interview, Ms O’Brien said, “I know I shouldn’t have taken the money but I did.”

She told gardaí, “I am sorry. I want to pay it back.”Ms O’Brien told gardaí that she never spent the money on herself. She said she used it to pay rent and to fund a drop in centre for the homeless in Chapel Lane, Ennis.

Ms O’Brien is co-founder of the Homeless Education Learning Programme (HELP), an Ennis-based organisation that supports homeless people. In his closing speech, Counsel for the State, Stephen Coughlan said there had been a pattern of Ms O’Brien “clearing” out Mr O’Halloran’s bank account.

He said, “You don’t get a blanket authority to raid a person’s account.”

Counsel for Ms O’Brien Lorcan Connolly BL said, “She opened a drop in centre. Is that the profile of a dishonest person?”

It took the jury two hours to return a unanimous verdict of guilty in nine of the ten counts Ms O’Brien was charged with. They returned a verdict of not guilty for the count covering January 2006 to June 2006.

THREE men alleged to have been involved in a “fracas” at a wedding in Ennis last year have had the charges against them struck out.

Three men – Jimmy Doherty (40), John Doherty (47) and Simon Doherty (41) were charged with offences arising out of an alleged incident at Ennis Cathedral, O’Connell Street, on October 11 (2012).

Jimmy Doherty, with an address at 8 Maiville, Kilrush Road Ennis, and Simon Doherty, with an address at The Cottage, Granard Road, Edgeworthstown, Longford, were both charged with the assault of John McDonagh at the Cathedral on October 11 (2012).

They were also charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

John Doherty, with an address at 60 Abbeyville, Ennis, was charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

John Doherty was also charged with assault causing harm to John McDonagh.

The court previously heard that it would be alleged that Mr Doherty struck Mr McDonagh across the head with a slash hook. Jurisdiction of John Doherty’s case was refused in the District Court.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Inspector John Galvin said he did not have directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for Jimmy and Simon Doherty. He requested a two-week adjournment.

Defence solicitor John Casey said this was the second occasion the State had sought an adjournment. He added, “This is not a very complicated matter. There are not a huge number of witnesses. There has to be movement on it.”

Judge Patrick Durcan said the delays are “very unfair” on the Dohertys. He said, “This is crazy carry on. These men are innocent in my eyes. They have been coming to court since February 6.”

Judge Durcan said, “These men can’t be coming in here. They have other things to be doing.”

Mr Casey applied to have the cases dismissed. Insp Galvin applied to have the cases struck out.

Judge Durcan also struck the cases against John Doherty. He said, “John Doherty can’t be coming in here day after day.”