The Mayo News

Five men plead guilty to violent disorder at Claremorris funeral fight


One man pleads not guilty to violent disorder and production of carpet knife

Five men have pleaded guilty to charges of violent disorder in relation to a massive brawl that took place during a funeral ceremony in St Colman’s Church in Claremorris in 2011.
Another man has pleaded not guilty to that charge and to producing a carpet knife.
The incident took place in the grounds of the church at the funeral of Patrick Collins, a member of the local Travelling community, from Luí na Gréine, Claremorris. The funeral was on Monday, October 10, 2011.
Pleading guilty to the charges of violent disorder before the court last Tuesday were Owen McDonagh of Saleen, Ballinrobe Road, Castlebar; Bernard McDonagh of 5 Knockthomas, Castlebar; Thomas McDonagh of 123 Manor Village, Castlebar; Gerard McDonagh of Saleen, Ballinrobe Road, Castlebar; and Charles McDonagh of 7 Garryduff, Castlebar.
Martin McDonagh of Bay 5, The Halting Site, Castlebar, pleaded not guilty to two charges. Sentencing in respect of the five men who pleaded guilty was adjourned to June 28. The case in respect of Martin McDonagh has been adjourned to February 14 for a trial date to be fixed.
Counsels for Thomas McDonagh (22), Gerard McDonagh (21) and Charles McDonagh (33) all applied for Probation Reports for their clients. Judge Keenan Johnson acceded to these requests.
The Mayo News of Tuesday, October 11, 2011, reported that the attack at the funeral had shocked the town of Claremorris.
Fr Peter Gannon had just began his homily when a brawl erupted outside the church. The church doors were closed and gardaí came from as far away as Galway to deal with the dispute.
At the end of the Mass, mourners saw an array of garda cars and ambulances, and some injured parties were brought to Mayo General Hospital. The funeral proceeded to Knock, where another stand-off took place between gardaí and some members of the Travelling community.

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