Galway Bay FM News Archives
JUDGE THREATENS TO CLOSE GALWAY COURT AFTER FRACAS
Date Published: 29-Nov-2007
A judge has threatened to close Galway Circuit Criminal Court to the public next week while dealing with the trial of a man charged with the manslaughter of his cousin, if the dead man’s relatives do not behave
themselves and allow justice take its course.
Judge Raymond Groarke made his comments following violent, angry scenes which erupted at Galway Circuit Criminal Court today during a case involving 26 year old Thomas McDonagh, of 35 Lios na Run, Ballybane
26 year old ,Thomas McDonagh was formally charged in front of a jury, with the unlawful killing of his cousin, Joseph Sweeney, on March 27 last at Rocklands Avenue, Ballybane
As McDonagh replied “not guilty” to both charges, a young woman, believed to be a close relative of the deceased, lunged at the accused, grabbed him and started to scream abuse at him.
Two Gardai dragged the accused into the Press area in an attempt to get him away from the woman, while other Gardai were quickly on hand to restrain the woman.
The courtroom was packed to capacity at the time with solicitors, barristers, defendants in other cases and members of the public
There was mayhem for a moment in the courtroom as other people got involved in the fracas which spilled out into the hallway of the Courthouse.
Gardai quickly cleared the area and the young woman was escorted to the cell area of the building and was later taken from there to Galway Garda Station.
Security in the courtroom and in Courthouse was stepped up as extra Gardai were drafted in for a time
Judge Raymond Groarke asked the jury to come back next Tuesday when, he said, the trial would begin
Judge Groarke said he would not tolerate any outburst or anger or violence in his court while the trial was at hearing next week.
He said he understood how tempers could become frayed in such a tragic case
But, he said, he could not tolerate outbursts of anger and threats of violence which would prohibit the court from carrying out its function in the interests of justice
He threatened to close the court to the public if they do not behave themselves next week
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Judge adjourns Connemara assault case
Date Published: 08-May-2013
A date will be set next October for the trial of a 52-year old Connemara man, who is charged with assaulting traditional Irish musician Noel Hill five years ago.
Michael Folan from Teach Mór, Lettermullen, is charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Noel Hill at Tí Padraig Mairtín Beag in Leitir Mór, on St Stephen’s Day, 2008.
The matter had been listed for trial on several occasions before Galway Circuit Criminal Court in the intervening period.
It was referred to the High Court in Dublin last year for judicial review after Michael Folan said he wanted his trial heard ‘as Gaeilge’and that a bi-lingual jury be made available to hear the case.
At Galway Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Rory McCabe adjourned the case for mention to October when it’s expected a date will be set for trial.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Bank of Ireland Galway Shopping Centre branch to close
Date Published: 10-May-2013
Bank of Ireland’s branch at Galway Shopping Centre on the Headford Road is to close in July.
The branch is to merge into the BOI outlet at Galway Industrial Estate in Mervue.
Galway Bay fm news reports the 14 staff impacted are to be offered redeployment and there will be no job losses.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway RNLI rescues three people stranded on Hare Island
Date Published: 13-May-2013
Galway RNLI Lifeboat has come to the rescue of three students who got stranded on Hare Island after getting caught in the tide off Ballyloughan Beach.
The two girls and boy, in their late teens had gone for a walk and were spotted waving from the island by a local resident who contacted the emergency Services and Galway Lifeboat.
Conditions at the time (4pm) were very changeable with heavy showers.
Three members of the Lifeboat shore crew were working in the vicinity of the station at the time and launched the boat in six minutes.
The three students were picked up safely and brought back to the Lifeboat Station at Galway Docks where they were warmed up and given tea and did not require medical attention.