Midnight quest at Kerry hotel lands Leitrim man in court
The KerrymanA Leitrim man ended up before the courts after he became belligerent while wandering through a Killarney hotel after midnight in search of his jacket.
Emet McGirl (21) of Aughnasheelin, Ballinamore, Leitrim, was charged with public damage.
He faced additional public order charges of obstructing a peace officer, intoxication to the extent of being a threat to himself or others and abusive or threatening language.
The court heard that Mr McGirl was wandering in the premises of the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, just after midnight on September 30, 2024 in search of his jacket.
Staff tried to explain his jacket was not there but the defendant would not be persuaded, Sergeant Stephen O’Brien told the court.
“He gave a false name to staff and tried to say he was a resident while wandering around,” said the sergeant.
Gardai called to the scene informed Mr McGirl he risked arrest.
“He sat on the ground,” said Sgt O’Brien. “He stopped responding.”
He then ran towards the sliding glass door, the court was told.
“The struggle went on, judge,” said Sgt O’Brien.
After the snafu, the court heard that Mr McGirl pulled the door in such a way that it shattered, causing damages of €569.07.
Mr McGirl had no previous convictions.
“This is a once-off terrible aberration,” said his solicitor Padraig O’Connell. “He did not deliberately break the glass. He has expressed remorse.”
He noted Mr McGirl had come from Leitrim to attend court and brought cash in preparation to show his remorse.
Judge David Waters ordered Mr McGirl to pay damages and donate €750 to Little Blue Heroes Foundation.
If this is done, the case will be struck from the record.
The case is adjourned to December 2.
“It’s a once-off offer,” said the judges, warning Mr McGirl that he would likely face a more severe punishment if he appeared before the court in Kerry again.
“I think he’ll stay in lovely Leitrim, judge,” said the solicitor.