Wexford District Court round-up: Brothers fined for public order offences during Fleadh Cheoil among cases heard

By Megan Farrell, Wexford People

At a recent sitting of Wexford district court a claim of criminal damage was dismissed, a public order offence during the Fleadh Cheoil was dealt with, and a number of road traffic matters were before Judge John Cheatle.

A New Ross man had a claim of criminal damage against him dismissed.

The court heard that Joseph Delaney (63) of Old Court, Ballykelly, New Ross, Wexford, was carrying out works on a property when Niall Green alleged he had broken his CCTV camera by placing a wooden plank against it.

It was alleged by the complainant that on July 22 2025 Delaney was carrying out work near his property, 6 Ashley Terrace, New Ross, Wexford, when he observed Delaney through the cameras placing a plank against his CCTV camera causing approximately €400 worth of damage. Mr Green stated that the camera had turned bright when the plank hit it and once removed the vision was blurred and obscured.

Eileen O’Neill, solicitor for the accused, informed the court that Delaney was working on a nearby property and had placed the plank over the camera to prevent the complainant from watching him. Mr Green had stated the accused had put the plank up against the camera every day he had been working.

Garda Fitzpatrick stated that the camera records a communal area of the property which had been up for years. The garda provided CCTV to the Judge which showed the plank being put up and subsequently removed by members of An Garda Síochána. Ms O’Neill commented that in her opinion the “bright” described by the complainant is the plank and once the plank is removed the CCTV is still in working order.

After viewing the CCTV Judge Cheatle stated that if a jury was to view the before and after a majority of the members would come to the conclusion that there was no evidence of damage done. The Judge added that Mr Green was within his rights to have these cameras but could not see any damage done and therefore dismissed the case.

Two brothers received a fine for public order and obstruction offences that took place during the Fleadh Cheoil.

Sergeant Victor Isdell informed the court that on August 6 2024 An Garda Síochána where on patrol at Skeffington Street, Wexford, when they approached Simon McGinley (26) of Saint Annes, Coolcotts, Wexford, and Patrick McGinley (23) of 20 Ringfort Avenue, Balrothery, Dublin. The sergeant stated that the brothers became verbally aggressive to gardaí and once a search had been requested the pair became physically aggressive.

Nicholas Revilles BL, counsel for both of the accused, informed the court that on the night in question his clients had “one beer too many” and “became indignant.” The barrister stated that Patrick, attempted to help his brother who appeared to be in distress at the time. Mr Revilles highlighted both accused are apologetic for their actions and highlighted that the search carried out by An Garda Síochána at the time was not fruitful.

Judge Cheatle imposed a €200 donation to the court poor box on each of the accused and adjourned the matter to June 16 2026. If the donation has been made and neither party comes to further gardaí attention the matter will be struck out.

Restorative justice in assault matter

A New Ross woman was before the court in connection with an assault on a man.

The court heard that on March 15 2025 Sarah Murphy (31) of 46 Woodbine Close, Morrisey Land, New Ross, Wexford, was at a pub in New Ross when she was approached by the injured party.

Murphy lashed out at the man causing an injury to his face which was described as being similar to a slash from a finger nail.

Eileen O’Neill, solicitor for the accused, told the court that Murphy had consumed an excessive amount of alcohol at the time as she was going through a traumatic break-up. The solicitor stated her client had no recollection of the incident and made full admissions once she had viewed the CCTV.

Judge Cheatle adjourned the matter to March 10 to make inquiries if both parties would be willing to engage with a restorative justice programme.

A four-year driving disqualification and a €400 fine was received for offences of driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and driving without NCT. Garda Swan gave evidence that in May 18 2025 he observed the vehicle being driven by Marion Doyle (54) of 8 Willow Grove, Grangewood, Rosslare, Wexford, at Grange Road, Rosslare.

In similar circumstances, on June 14 2025 Garda White observed Richard Miskella (57) of Robinstown, Duncormick, Wexford, driving a vehicle without insurance at Kileens, Wexford. Gerry Flynn, solicitor for the accused, informed the court that Miskella was driving the vehicle to the CVRT centre for testing however his own insurance policy did not cover him for the use of the van. Judge Cheatle imposed a fine of €130 with five months to pay.

A Wexford man plead guilty to an offence of drug driving. Garda Breheny gave evidence that on February 2 2025 he observed a vehicle travelling at a speed of 90kmh at the R741 Crosstown, Wexford, where the posted speed limit is 60kmh. The vehicle driven by Jude Greene (21) of 9 Riverwood, Enniscorthy, Wexford, was stopped and Greene was conveyed to the garda station where he provided a sample of blood returning a positive result for cannabis. Judge Cheatle imposed a one year driving disqualification.