A NUMBER of men appeared at Wednesday’s sitting of Falcarragh District Court in relation to charges of violent disorder at a church in Letterkenny last year.
A large number of weapons were confiscated by Gardai during the incidents at the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Gortlee, on August 18, 2024. They included foldable garden saws, a slash hook, an axe, and two kitchen knives.
The brawl led to the disruption of Sunday Mass at the church with members of the congregation confined inside for a period.
In front of a heavy Garda presence, the men were escorted into Wednesday’s sitting of the court where Detective Garda Gerard McCready and Detective Garda Stephen McGonigle, gave evidence of adding further charges in relation to each defendant.
John Paul Reilly, whose address was given as 64 Tailteann Drive, Windtown, Navan, County Meath, faces charges of threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and with possession of a foldable garden saw with intent to cause injury or intimidate in relation to an ongoing dispute with members of another family present at the time of the production of the article.
Thomas Reilly, also with an address at 64 Tailteann Drive, Windtown, Navan, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. He was further charged with possession of a foldable garden saw with the intention of causing injury or to intimidate a person in the grounds of the church car park.
Michael Reilly Snr (56), of 64 Tailteann Drive, Navan, is charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and with having in his possession an article, namely a slash hook, with intent to cause injury or intimidate.
Michael Reilly, Jnr. (31), with an address at 1 Kishogue Park, Lucan, County Dublin, was also charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and with having articles in his possession, namely a small axe and two sharp kitchen knives.
Gary Reilly, of Tailteann Drive, Windtown, Navan, faces charge of violent disorder.
All five men, who were represented by solicitor Patsy Gallagher, made no reply when cautioned and were remanded on continuing bail. Each had their cases adjourned to September 17 to await service of the Book of Evidence.
Another defendant, Brian Reilly, who appeared at Wednesday’s court, is in custody at Midlands Prison. He is charged with producing a slash hook, intending to cause injury or intimidate.
Judge Eiteain Cunningham adjourned his case to a special sitting of Sligo District Court on April 22.
A further defendant, Michael McDonagh, with an address at the Big Isle, Letterkenny, was charged at a previous sitting with threatening and abusive behaviour.
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