Courts / Dublin / Report

Words exchanged at shopping centre led to "disgraceful" fight between families

Date
2018-04-17
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced five members of the McDonagh family for violent disorder at Old Castle Drive, Clondalkin, on November 19, 2016. Martin McDonagh Snr, Ellen McDonagh, Nora McDonagh, Helen McDonagh, and Shannon Sherlock all pleaded guilty to the charge. The court heard that the incident followed an argument at a shopping centre, after which the defendants allegedly arrived at the O'Reilly family home armed with a sickle, two hurleys, and a baton. Judge Martin Nolan described the event as a "disgrace" and noted that while the McDonaghs made numerous attempts to strike the O'Reillys, no serious injuries were inflicted. The judge imposed a four-year suspended sentence on Martin McDonagh Snr, noting his "remarkably modest record" despite 13 previous convictions, mostly for road traffic matters. Two-year suspended sentences were imposed on each of the four women, none of whom had previous convictions. Defence counsel highlighted that Martin McDonagh Snr used the sickle only to threaten, that Nora McDonagh was unarmed, and that Shannon Sherlock was due to give birth. The judge emphasized the need for self-control and noted that the O'Reilly family has since relocated, with both families now getting on with their lives.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Words exchanged at shopping centre led to "disgraceful" fight between families. Charges or matters: violent disorder at Old Castle Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin, on November 19, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Ellen McDonagh

Defendant

Charges: violent disorder at Old Castle Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin, on November 19, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: The judge imposed two-year suspended sentences on each of the women and a four-year suspended sentence on Martin McDonagh Snr whom he said had a "remarkably modest record".

Helen McDonagh

Defendant

Charges: violent disorder at Old Castle Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin, on November 19, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: The judge imposed two-year suspended sentences on each of the women and a four-year suspended sentence on Martin McDonagh Snr whom he said had a "remarkably modest record".

Martin McDonagh Snr

Defendant

Charges: violent disorder at Old Castle Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin, on November 19, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: The judge imposed two-year suspended sentences on each of the women and a four-year suspended sentence on Martin McDonagh Snr whom he said had a "remarkably modest record".

Nora McDonagh

Defendant

Charges: violent disorder at Old Castle Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin, on November 19, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: The judge imposed two-year suspended sentences on each of the women and a four-year suspended sentence on Martin McDonagh Snr whom he said had a "remarkably modest record".

Shannon Sherlock

Defendant

Charges: violent disorder at Old Castle Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin, on November 19, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Address Area
  • Old Castle Drive
Secondary Mention
Facility
  • O'Reilly's house

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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