Breaking news: Five men charged after brawl at Letterkenny church

Five men have been bailed to appear in court after being charged with causing a disturbance at a church in County Donegal yesterday.

The five, all members of a travelling society, were tried at a special sitting at Letterkenny Magistrates’ Court, presided over by Judge Ciaran Liddy.

A heavy police presence was stationed at the courthouse on the town’s main road.

In addition to irregular members of the Garda Síochána, detectives and members of the Garda Síochána Armed Response Unit are in the area.

The men were charged with a number of offences including public disorder and possession of offensive weapons.

The five men, from two different families, were allegedly involved in an argument during Mass at the Irish Martyrs Church at 11:30am on Sunday.

Mass was interrupted after an argument broke out in the church porch and parishioners were asked to remain inside.

The altercation continued into the parking lot outside the church, where there was a heavy police presence.

The first person to appear in court today was Michael McDonagh from Great Island, Letterkenny.

The 34-year-old, represented by solicitor Alison Parke, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a disorderly breach.

Gardaí said they had no objection to bail.

Police Sergeant Jim Collins set out a number of conditions, including signing in at Letterkenny Police Station three times a week, not having contact with other parties involved in the case, and being of good behaviour.

His case was adjourned until September 16 and Inspector Collins said there may be other charges.

Four other accused, all from the same family, including a father and three sons, were subsequently brought to court.

All four have been released on bail, and their bail attorney is Patsy Gallagher.

Michael Reilly Junior, 31, of Kishaug Park, Lucan, Dublin, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and having one item on his person, namely a hatchet and two sharp kitchen knives.

Michael Reilly Senior, 56, of Tailteann Avenue, Navanwindtown, Co Meath, is also suspected of threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to incite a breach of the peace and possession of an article known as a chopping hook with intent to cause harm or intimidation.

Thomas Reilly, 21, of Tailteann Avenue, Navanwindtown, Co Meath, is also suspected of threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to incite a breach of the peace and possessing a folding garden saw with intent to cause harm or intimidation.

John Paul Reilly, of Tailteann Avenue, Navanwindtown, Co Meath, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to incite a breach of the peace and possession of a folding garden saw with intent to cause injury or intimidation on November 21, 1994.

All members of the defendant Reilly family were granted bail on the condition that they register at their local police station three times a week and be of good behavior.

They were also ordered not to enter County Donegal except for court appearances and not to have any contact with the McDonagh family.

All five were released on bail until September 16, pending instructions from the Attorney General.

Breaking news: Five men charged after brawl at Letterkenny church Last modified: August 19, 2024 go through Staff Writer