Limerick county final victory turned into ‘night of thuggery’ in Cork pub, judge says

The court heard that John Cleary was the manager of the Galtee Gaels Ladies Junior A football team — a position previously held by Patrick Cronin. On the day in question the team had defeated Ahane in the Limerick county final held in Cappamore. 

After the famous victory the team had a meal at Gallhues pub in Ballylanders on their way home before heading to O’Mahony Park in Kilbehenny where a celebration bonfire was held.

The team then went to Anglesboro where a piper led a victory parade from the school to community hall and presentations were made to the players. That night the team and supporters celebrated the victory at Walsh’s Bar in Mitchelstown.

Patrick Cronin alleged that he was in the smoking area at Walsh’s Bar at about 10.45pm when Mr Cleary became angry when he tried to congratulate him on the victory. He alleged that Mr Cleary said: “Don’t you be congratulating me, you wanted me off the team,” and became increasingly irate. 

Mr Cronin said that he tried to leave and alleged that Mr Cleary pushed him back violently and he fell and hit the back of his head. He alleged that they both fell to the ground and Mr Cleary was hitting him as he lay on top of him. 

When cross-examined by Mr Cleary’s solicitor Daithi O’Donnabhain as to why he did not report the incident for four months, Mr Cronin said that he was waiting for an apology but none was forthcoming. 

Mr O’Donnabhain alleged that Mr Cronin had in fact instigated the argument because he was angry at Mr Cleary for substituting his daughter during the match, which Mr Cronin denied.

John Cleary alleged that it was Patrick Cronin who instigated the argument by calling him “a prick and a bollix” for substituting his daughter at half time. He alleged that Mr Cronin grabbed his arm as he tried to leave the smoking area and punched him twice in the head after which the two men tussled on the ground.

Judge’s ruling

Judge Colm Roberts said there was a total conflict of evidence, no witnesses and no CCTV and in the circumstances his only option was to dismiss the case. He thanked both men for wasting his time. 

The judge added: “What should have been a night of celebration turned into a night of thuggery. These are two supposedly respectable members of their community and they end up rolling around in the smoking area of a pub at 11 o’clock at night. Not only is it embarrassing, it’s disgraceful.” 

Both men agreed to shake hands when they were asked to do so by Inspector O’Sullivan.