Construction boss in possession of knife when arrested outside bar in Laois

A construction boss was carrying a flick knife when he was arrested outside a bar in Portlaoise. 

Simon Donagher (37) of Bishopswood, Portarlington, Laois admitted being intoxicated, possessing a flickknife and engaging in threatening and aggressive behaviour at Market Square in Portlaoise on June 27, 2025. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the manager of The Square Bar pointed the defendant out to gardai on the night in question. He said the man became abusive to gardaí and was found in possession of the knife. He said the man had 20 previous convictions which were mostly for road traffic offences. 

Solicitor Brian Duffy said his client had gone for a few drinks after work and had drank too much on the night in question. He described the man as a “pro social individual” who  has a construction company with 14 employees. “It was just a work knife. He bought it in a vet shop,” said Mr Duffy.  

Judge Susan Fay said it was the man’s second time engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour. She referred him to the Athy Alternative Project and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on January 26, 2026.