“I’ve given up the drink,” said a young man who was arrested in Ballinasloe after drinking too much at a wedding in the town.
He made his plea to Judge James Faughnan at the local District Court, telling the judge that he had a job abroad and was concerned about the impact a public order conviction might have on his prospects.
Sean Boylan, Coolfin, Banagher, Co Offaly, was at a wedding in a hotel on July 31, 2025, when he came to Garda attention at 8pm out on the street near the hotel where the function was being held.
He was in an intoxicated condition and became aggressive towards the Gardaí and was arrested.
Prosecuting Garda Sgt Christy Brown told the Judge: “In fairness he just had too much to drink”. The defendant had a drink-driving conviction on his record and had been put off the road for six months.
Boylan told the Judge: “I’ve given up the drink and I have work abroad, in a data centre in Vienna.”
“Do you have €300 on you?” the Judge asked. “I don’t, but I can get it,” the defendant replied. He left the court and soon returned with the promised €300, which was handed in for the court poor box, and the charge was struck out.
