A YOUNG man who got involved in a fracas alongside a manned Garda van on the night of the Leaving Cert results was the only one of the half-dozen involved arrested as the rest ran away, but he was the last man standing because he was incapable of running, his defence pleaded when he faced public order charges at the September 1 sitting of Galway District Court.
Before Judge Adrian Harris was Ciaran Walsh of Killagville, Roscahill. Sgt Christy Brown told the Court that he and colleagues were on duty in a Garda van at 1am, August 28, on Shop Street, Galway as this was the night of the Leaving Cert results and they were on alert.
While they were in the van a fracas broke out outside it, involving five or six young men. “Walsh was the last man standing” when we got out Sgt Brown said. He asked Walsh to comply with his directions but he became obstreperous when told to obey.
“There could have been six of those involved charged, but he was the last man standing. Given the night that was in it we were very busy and that’s why he’s here,” he added.
Barrister Garry McDonald said his client apologised for his behaviour on the night, adding that Walsh was the last and lonely man standing because he wasn’t capable of running. He was a promising sportsman but had been at a gig that night and had way too much to drink. He wanted to emigrate to Australia and a conviction wouldn’t help in this regard.
Judge Harris said it was down to stupidity on the night and allowed Walsh make a donation to charity of €250 in lieu of a public order conviction.
