Kildare town centre fight 'stopped the traffic and blocked the road'
There were kicks to the head and punches thrown, Naas District Court told by a detective garda
A fight involving five people stopped traffic and blocked a public road, Naas District Court was told.
Before the court was Adam O’Shea, 20, whose address was given as 51 Harbour Walk, Tullamore, Co Offaly, on an allegation of violent disorder at Market Square, Kildare town, on April 27, 2026.
Detective Garda Seamus Doyle told the court the defendant and others were in two groups, one with three people and one with two people, who were “squaring up to each other.”
He alleged a full fight started during which there were kicks to the head and punches were thrown.
“They were beating each other up.”
He claimed there are CCTV images of the incident and these show that members of the public were in fear.
Det Gda Doyle said the defendant was with a juvenile at the time, The fight took place on a public road which was blocked and "traffic had to stop because of the fight.”
He said the incident took place at 5pm and "people were visibly afraid.”
Det Gda Doyle opposed a bail application by barrister Donncha Craddock, saying he did not think the defendant would turn up for the hearing and that he was “caught red-handed.”
The garda said he knew what they were fighting over but “it might not be fair to speculate.”
He added that the defendant was in custody on the day of the hearing and had been for about a month.
He also alleged the defendant “fled on foot on three occasions while in Kildare town.”
Cross examined by Mr Craddock, Det Gda Doyle said he did not witness the incident and was not present. He agreed there was no audio on the CCTV and added the defendant “is not welcome at his mother’s address.”
Mr Craddock said there was nothing to suggest the defendant was participating in violent disorder and he would abide by strict bail conditions.
“He is not evading court,” added Mr Craddock.
Sgt Mary Meade said the defendant was “clearly identified" on CCTV.
Judge Desmond Zaidan said the defendant is presumed innocent and "rightfully so”.
He also said the defendant had a presumption of a right to bail, though this can be rebutted.
He noted the gardaí objected because of the serious nature of the alleged incident, the nature of the evidence and that the defendant might not turn up.
He said he was satisfied the objections by the State were sustainable in law and the defendant was initially remanded in custody.