Men admit affray charges after fight stopped traffic on busy Louth street

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

Traffic was brought to a standstill when a fight broke out on a busy Dundalk street, the circuit court has been told.

It occurred in the middle of the afternoon on a summer’s day and lasted for up to three minutes.

Thomas Toner (22), Crescent 2, Muirhevnamór, Dundalk, and Patrick Kelly (39), originally from Glenmore Park, Muirhevnamór, and now living in Drogheda Homeless Aid, each pleaded guilty to committing affray.

It was accepted by gardaí that they were not the main instigators of an incident which occurred on July 17, 2024, in Park Street, close to the junction with Earl Street.

Gda Shane McTeague testified that as part of the investigation CCTV was obtained from three premises.

It showed Mr Kelly and a co-accused exchanging words. Mr Toner became involved.

The three of them began fighting in the middle of Park Street, causing traffic to stop. There were a lot of other people about.

None of the protagonists were injured.

Gda McTeague said the brawl lasted for two to three minutes, between 3.48 and 3.50pm.

All of those involved were identified from CCTV.

The court heard that Patrick Kelly has 38 previous convictions, and was on bail at the time.

He was remorseful over what occurred and had not come to attention since.

Thomas Toner has 7 previous convictions. He was intoxicated on the day.

Barrister Donough McDonough said that Mr Toner had shown genuine remorse.

He grew up in his grandmother’s house and later cared for her.

He has dyslexia and ADHD for which he took cannabis to calm himself. He had self-referred to Turas Counselling Service.

The Probation Service assessed him at high risk of re-offending and recommended residential treatment.

Barrister Stephen Faulkner said that Patrick Kelly, a father of three, had moved to Drogheda to get away from anti-social peers.

Family reunification was his ultimate goal.

Judge Dara Hayes remanded the defendants on the same bail terms to May 5.

He asked for a probation report on Mr Kelly and directed that Mr Toner provide 4 clear urinalysis. The court also sought an updated report.

"This was serious offending in the middle of the street in the town centre in the middle of the day,” Judges Hayes said.

"There is a risk of custodial sentences.”