Woman seeks safety order against husband of 49 years

A couple who have been married for almost 50 years have been told by a judge that if they go against each other in court, the proceedings could contaminate the next stage of their lives.

At the Family Law Court in Ennis, Judge Patrick Durcan was told by the woman that her husband slapped her after breaking plates and verbally abusing her in their kitchen.

“Your wife contacted the gardaí and they spoke to you and they asked you to give an undertaking that you would live in peace and you refused that,” Judge Durcan told the man. “On that basis, gardaí advised your wife to seek a Protection Order.”

The woman has secured the order, which offers temporary protection, and was seeking a Safety Order which can provide a more permanent protection.

Asked to comment on the incident and his wife’s application, the man replied: “I think it is much ado about nothing.”

‘Compromised’

Judge Durcan advised the two to go down the mediation route rather than thrashing out the issues in court.

“It does seem to be, on eve of your 50th anniversary of marriage, that it is not a very appropriate thing to do and the next stage of life can be compromised and contaminated if the court heard evidence here today,” he said.

“Rather than press that button, there may be wisdom spending time with a court mediator rather than thrashing it out in court.”

The man said he agreed with the judge, while Ann Walsh, solicitor for the woman, said the mediation should take place within a month.

“I wouldn’t like to go beyond that because there are ongoing tensions in the home,” she added.

Judge Durcan said said he hoped things worked out for the couple and that the Protection Order remained in place. “I would encourage both of you to sit back, realise where you are, realise the difficulties and if you have to be open to accommodate the other be prepared to move 55 per cent.”