Kerry court hears slash hook and other weapons were produced in alleged dispute
The KerrymanA slash hook, a steel chain, a baseball bat and a timber plank are the weapons allegedly used in a fight that prompted the arrest of four men in a raid in Tralee on Thursday.
The operation involved 25 gardaí and took three weeks to execute, the district court has heard.
Gardaí also charged one defendant for the alleged use of a wooden bat and a shovel in another dispute on September 10.
The Tralee men were subsequently driven to Listowel District Court for an immediate bail hearing before Judge Mark O’Connell.
All four were charged with production of a weapon in a threatening manner during a dispute, as well as violent disorder for an incident on Quill Street, Rathass, Tralee on August 29.
Kieran Quilligan (36) of 2 O’Connor Terrace, Boherbee, Tralee was alleged to have produced a baseball bat in the course of a dispute.
Anthony Quilligan (28) of High Bank, Poulawaddra, Tralee was alleged to have produced a slash hook.
Johnaboy Quilligan (21) of Bibis House, Boherbee, Tralee, was alleged to have produced a plank of timber.
James Crean (20) of 45 Ogham Road, Tralee was alleged to have produced a steel chain.
No further details about the incident were presented to the court.
Kieran Quilligan was additionally charged with violent disorder and production of a weapon concerning an incident at Boherbee on September 10, which involved two other people, a wooden bat and a shovel.
Judge O’Connell granted bail at €200 to the two younger men – Johnaboy Quilligan and James Crean – with conditions including no social media contact with others involved, a curfew from 10pm to 7am and to carry a charged mobile phone at all times so gardaí can maintain contact.
The State objected to bail for the two older defendants.
“This clearly shows the violent attack taking place, a baseball bat involved,” Sgt Diarmuid O’Neill said of Kieran Quilligan. “The accused is clearly identified from CCTV,” he said.
“I firmly believe, if granted bail, Kieran Quilligan is a danger to Tralee.”
He added, “We have a serious concern about another violent altercation taking place”.
Garda Aoife O’Sullivan testified that she arrested Anthony Quilligan earlier that day and read his charges to the court.
Once again, Sgt O’Neill objected to bail, “given the violent nature of the offence that occurred”.
“We have great concern for the people of Tralee,” he added.
The defendant’s solicitor, Brendan Ahern, questioned why, if the concern was so pressing, it took three weeks to make an arrest.
“The manpower it takes to carry out an operation like this is huge,” the sergeant answered. “I think 22 days is reasonable, judge.”
Mr Ahern noted his client had remained in Tralee during that time. “He hasn’t made any attempt to abscond.”
Sgt O’Neill remained firm. “We believe if they are granted bail, they will commit serious, violent offences.”
“He’s entitled to the presumption of innocence, however we do have concerns,” he said.
The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, September 24, at Tralee District Court by video link.