Teenage trio appear in court over alleged assault GAA club chairman at ground in the Midlands

Three teenagers have appeared in court charged with allegedly assaulting a club official at a GAA grounds in Longford town.

The trio were arrested and charged after a man in his 50s was allegedly set upon within the confines of Longford Slashers' home grounds at Michael Fay Park on June 11 last.

The incident, took place just before Longford Slashers and Mostrim were due to play in an All County Football League Division One encounter.

Two of the accused, who are from Longford and are under the age of 18 and therefore cannot be named, appeared in court last Tuesday charged with assault causing harm to the official.

A third teenager, Dione Higgins, 2 Croisbothair, Drumlish, Longford, can be named as he is 18 and in the eyes of the court classed as an adult.

Sgt Mark Mahon for the State, said the alleged incident in question took place at around 5:30pm after gardaí received a report that a man had been assaulted at Longford Slashers GAA grounds.

He said when gardaí attended the scene they met the alleged victim who had a “large lump” over his right eye and facial area.

Sgt Mahon said the alleged victim told gardaí he had been in the process of preparing the grounds ahead of an upcoming match.

He said it was during that time he spotted three youths who appeared to be smashing glass.

When the alleged victim approached the group, Sgt Mahon said one of the youths placed their head into the forehead of the GAA official before one of the accused approached the victim from behind, striking him over the right hand side of his eye.

Judge Bernadette Owens was informed no weapon was used in the alleged incident with the injured party subsequently managing to identify all three accused.

Sgt Mahon said the prosecution had also received medical reports and photographs of the injuries sustained by the alleged victim during the course of the incident.

Judge Owens, upon hearing details of the case, said she was satisfied to accept “jurisdiction”, meaning the matter could be heard and disposed of in the District Court.

Frank Gearty, in representing one of the juveniles before the court, sought “disclosure” and the release of all prosecution statements and exhibits relating to the case.

All three were remanded on continuing bail to a sitting of Longford District Court on October 10 when a plea or a date for hearing is expected to be made.