More charges possible as 'large investigation' continues into Letterkenny Church brawl

A Garda Sergeant has said there may be further charges arising out of an incident in which mass-goers were forced to remain inside a Letterkenny church after a huge row broke out outside.

A total of five men have been charged in connection with the brawl which took place outside the Church of the Irish Martyrs in Letterkenny on August 18 last.

The men, from two different families, were charged with a number of offences including public order and possession of offensive weapons.

Their cases had been adjourned to Letterkenny District Court to await directions in the case from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

All five men were excused from attending court in the interest of safety following a request from their solicitors Mr Patsy Gallagher and Mr Frank Dorrian.

The five include Michael Reilly Junior, of Kishogue Park, Lucan in Dublin (31),  Michael Reilly Senior, of Tailteann Drive, Windtown, Navan in Co Meath (56),  Thomas Reilly, of Tailteann Drive, Windtown, Navan, Co Meath (21), John Paul Reilly, of Tailteann Drive, Windtown, Navan in Co Meath (29) and Michael McDonagh, of the Big Isle in Letterkenny (34).

The five men at a previous court sitting. (North West Newspix)

The court was previously told that a slash hook, kitchen knives and garden saws had been recovered by Gardai who arrived at the scene of the row.

As part of their bail conditions, the four members of the Reilly family from County Meath and Dublin had been told to stay out of County Donegal.

Michael Reilly Junior is charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and also had an article in his possession, namely a small axe and two sharp kitchen knives.

Michael Reilly Senior is also with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace as well as possession of an article namely a slash-hook with intention to cause injury or intimidate.

Thomas Reilly is charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and that he had in his possession a foldable garden saw with intention to cause injury or intimidate.

John Paul Reilly is charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and that he had in his possession a foldable garden saw with intention to cause injury or intimidate.

Michael McDonagh is charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. 

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that this was a substantive matter and that some of the charges will require directions from the DPP.

He added "This is quite a large investigation and there may be further charges."

He asked that the case be put back until January 20, 2025 to allow for books of evidence to be served in the various cases.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham agreed and the cases were adjourned.