Funeral feuders refused application for senior counsel

Brothers who are charged with committing a serious assault on their cousin at a family funeral in Ballyhaunis were denied an application to have to a senior counsel appointed to their legal team.
Michael McDonagh, along with three of his brothers Johnny, Owen and Martin, all with an address at The Big Isle, Manorcunningham, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, appeared before last week’s sitting of Castlebar Circuit Court.
They face a number of charges relating to violence arising from an incident at the funeral of Martin ‘Red Breast’ McDonagh in Ballyhaunis on May 16, 2016.
Michael McDonagh (25) is charged with assault causing harm to Martin McDonagh and Thomas McDonagh, possession of a baseball bat, criminal damage and violent disorder. Johnny McDonagh (25) is also charged with assault causing harm to Martin McDonagh and Thomas McDonagh, criminal damage, violent disorder and possession of a machete.
Owen McDonagh (21) is charged with assault causing harm to Martin McDonagh and Thomas McDonagh, violent disorder and possession of a machete while Martin McDonagh (31) is charged with assault causing harm to Martin McDonagh and Thomas McDonagh, violent disorder and possession of a machete.
During the brief court appearance, Michael and Owen McDonagh both made applications for a senior counsel to be added to their legal team under the legal aid system. Their legal representatives argued that due to the seriousness of the offences they would need the services of a senior counsel to defend them.
However, after reviewing the charges against them, Judge Rory McCabe denied the application saying that a reaonable junior counsel would be able to deal with the charges.
An application was also made by Johnny McDonagh to have his bail conditions amended to allow him to enter Co Mayo in order to attend the anniversary Mass of his grandfather in May.
The application was opposed by Sergeant James Mangan who informed Judge McCabe that the injured party also plans to attend the Mass, a situation that could result in further violence should Johnny McDonagh also attend. Judge McCabe refused to vary the terms of his bail.
The four brothers were all remanded on bail to appear before Castlebar Circuit Court on April 25.