Finney man drunk on quad disqualified for third time

A 56-year-old man who drove his quad bike while drunk has been disqualified from driving for a third time.
Castlebar District Court heard that Martin Walsh, of Finney, Claremorris, was stopped by gardaí at Dooliter, Finney, on December 23 last at 11.35pm.
The court heard that gardaí observed a quad bike approaching them on a public road and stopped the driver, as he was not wearing a helmet.
When they spoke to Mr Walsh they formed the opinion that he was intoxicated. A breath test later returned a concentration of 129 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath, over five times the legal driving limit.
Defending solicitor Declan Hynes said his client does not own a car and normally depends heavily on his neighbours for transport. However, on this occasion he ‘stupidly used the quad’ to get to and from the pub. The court was told that the quad was adapted for road use, in terms of having indicators. A charge of driving with no insurance was withdrawn.
Mr Walsh has two previous drink driving convictions dating back to 2011 and 2002. Mr Hynes said his client has a ‘long problem with alcohol’ and relied on it as a ‘crutch’.
He added that Mr Walsh sold his car after the disqualification in 2011 and would not normally use the quad on the road. Judge Mary Devins convicted Mr Walsh of drink driving, disqualifying him from driving for three years.
He was also fined €500 for the offence, and a further €100 for driving without a licence.