Longford man was abusive to Gardaí following his arrest after hotel disturbance

The defendant pleaded guilty in court to a drink driving and two public order breaches

judge has requested a probation report on a north county Longford drunk driver who on a separate date was also 'abusive' towards Gardaí when he was arrested after a disturbance in a hotel.

Kieran McNally of Greagh, Drumlish pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to a drink driving and two public order breaches on two separate dates last year.

Sergeant Enda Daly said Gardaí were carrying out a checkpoint St Mary's Street, Drumlish on May 4, 2024 at 9.50pm when the defendant was stopped and he failed a roadside breath test and he was arrested.

A breath sample gave a result of 45mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

The legal limit is 22mg.

Sgt Daly stated five months later on on October 23, 2024, Gardaí received a report of a male trying to start a fight with customers in the bar at the Annaly Hotel at 8.55pm.

Sgt Daly said Garda David Gerrity met Mr McNally, who was unsteady on his feet with a strong smell of alcohol emanating from him, in the bar area and when he approached he became abusive and aggressive and he was arrested for his own safety.

"He continued to be abusive at the garda station and also spat in the custody suite at Longford Garda Station."

The court heard McNally had nine previous convictions.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn accepted his client, who was an inpatient at Cuan Mhuire residential treatment centre from November 18, 2024 until February 8, 2025, had a 'poor record'.

Mr Quinn said Mr McNally is now the sole and primary carer for his three children, which had given him 'an extra responsibility'.

Judge Bernadette Owen noted two suspended sentences are in the mix and she requested a probation report before adjourning the case until November 11.