Two assault charges against Laois senior football captain Colm Parkinson, after a nightclub disturbance in Athlone, will be heard in Athlone District Court next Tuesday.
The cases against well-known footballer Mr Parkinson, and two other Portlaoise men, were adjourned at Athlone District Court yesterday. One of the other men, Mr Eddie Byrne, Lakelands, Portlaoise, is charged with "assuming the name of a garda".
Mr Parkinson, Meelick, Portlaoise, is charged with assaulting two men - Mr Kevin Hanly and Mr Patrick Macken. The assault against Mr Macken is alleged to have taken place in Bozo's Night Club, Athlone. The other alleged assault is said to have taken place on Church Street, Athlone. Mr Parkinson is also charged with breaches of the peace, and being drunk and disorderly, in the incidents which allegedly took place on October 24th. Another Portlaoise man - Mr Liamie Marum, Oak Leaf Place, Portlaoise, also appeared in court. Mr Marum faces identical charges to Mr Parkinson.
Mr Byrne is also charged with a breach of the peace, being drunk and disorderly, and assaulting Mr Macken. Mr Parkinson appeared in court, but did not address Judge Michael Reilly. He was represented by solicitor Mr Pádraig Quinn, who applied for the adjournment to next Tuesday to allow him time to read statements. Mr Parkinson was remanded on continuing bail.
Mr Quinn said Mr Parkinson was "anxious" the case would be dealt with as soon as possible. The cases against Mr Marum and Mr Byrne were adjourned to December 14th.