Brothers plead guilty to affray following violent incident at family wake in Wicklow pub

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

Two brothers who were initially facing more serious charges have pleaded guilty to a single count of affray arising from a violent incident at a wake in 2019.

Michael Connors (34) and Larry Connors (33), both of no fixed abode, appeared before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing.

The siblings had initially faced three charges, including violent disorder, causing serious harm, and threatening to kill or cause serious harm, but pleaded guilty to an amended indictment of one count of affray.

Garda Mark Pender of Dunlavin Garda Station told the court that on September 6, 2019, at approximately 12.30pm, the brothers were attending their father’s wake in a local pub, where around 30 people were present, when a disagreement broke out and a man was assaulted and injured.

CCTV footage obtained from a nearby supermarket showed a man running up the road with a group chasing after him. The victim was pinned against a car and further assaulted by members of the group.

Michael and Larry Connors were identified on CCTV footage as both were wearing white dress shirts, having been chief mourners at the funeral. Larry Connors could be seen on CCTV with what appeared to be blood stains on his shirt.

The court heard that the victim was placed in the back of a car which fled the scene. Gardaí later became aware of the incident when the injured man presented at Rathfarnham Garda Station.

Photographs of the victim’s injuries were handed into court, and Gda Pender confirmed that the man received medical treatment on the night of September 6, 2019.

Counsel for the prosecution, James Kelly BL, told the court that both brothers fled the jurisdiction to England in October 2019.

Mr Kelly also informed the court that the pair were arrested following their return to Ireland in December 2024.

Gda Pender stated that both men were charged on December 27.

The court heard that Larry has 54 previous convictions, with his most recent conviction dating back to 2020 at Isleworth Crown Court, where he received a three-year sentence for burglary and theft of a dwelling.

Michael has previous convictions in Ireland, the UK, and Strasbourg in France for offences including criminal damage, theft, and assault.

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Counsel for Michael, Paul O’Higgins SC, told the court that his client had done the prosecution a “favour” by entering a guilty plea, noting that there were doubts as to whether the CCTV evidence would have been admissible had the matter proceeded to trial.

Mr O’Higgins said the plea should be regarded as an early one and noted that his client had not come to the attention of gardaí between 2021 and late 2024.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” counsel said, adding that Michael Connors was being held accountable more than six years after the incident.

The court heard that Michael has been married for more than 12 years and has three children. He had experienced difficulties with alcohol, drugs, and mental health issues but was said to be doing well while in custody.

Since entering prison, he has been attending the gym regularly, with counsel stating that “he is looking much better”.

Mr O’Higgins told the court that Michael Connors’ father had died in a choking-related incident and that he comes from a family of 15 siblings. He previously worked in groundworks and expressed remorse for his actions.

A sum of €1,000 has been offered by him in compensation to be donated to charity.

A letter from his wife was handed into court, describing him as a hands-on father who is deeply missed by his children.

The court was also told that Michael Connors wishes to share his experiences with younger members of the Traveller community at a local youth group.

Counsel for Larry, Simon Crowley BL, said his client had been in a heightened state of mourning at the time of the incident and that alcohol had played a significant role, which counsel described as a long-standing burden in his client’s life.

Larry’s wife was present in court. The defendant has children, one of whom has severe autism, and another whom he has not seen while on remand. Counsel said his client accepted responsibility for his actions and wished to engage meaningfully with the Probation Service if the court were to suspend any sentence imposed. He has acknowledged that he suffers from addiction and anger issues.

In mitigation, Mr Crowley asked Judge Patrick Quinn to structure any sentence in a way that would facilitate rehabilitation.

Judge Quinn adjourned the matter until February 20, 2026 for finalisation of his decision.