Conditional bail for travellers accused of disorder

Four members of the travelling community who are involved in a continuing dispute with others in Galway city appeared before …

Four members of the travelling community who are involved in a continuing dispute with others in Galway city appeared before Galway District Court yesterday.

Mr Patrick Barrett (27), of St Nicholas's Park , Ballybrit, Galway; Mr Edward O'Loughlin (31), of Sliabh Rua, Ballybane, Galway; Mr Martin Barrett (31) of Doughiska, Galway; and Mr Martin Sweeney (23), also of Doughiska, were charged with committing violent disorder and with using or threatening to use violence at Hillside, Galway, last Sunday.

Insp Tony O'Donnell said the charges against all four men related to "ongoing thuggery" between two groups, but he declined to say any more until evidence was heard in the case later next month. He said the Garda would not object to bail with conditions, provided substantial cash sureties were given.

Judge John Garavan remanded three of the men on bail on their own sureties of £1,000 each and separate independent cash sureties of £2,000, to appear before the court again on October 19th.

READ MORE

Judge Garavan remanded Mr Martin Sweeney on similar bail terms to appear before the court again on October 5th. The judge attached conditions to the men's bail. He warned them to stay away from the Tuam Road halting site and Hillside Park in Galway and not to interfere with the Sweeney, McDonagh or Cleary families, or their extended families.