Garda’s finger fractured during arrest in Portlaoise on Christmas eve

A garda’s finger was fractured while arresting a man who was intoxicated in Portlaoise on Christmas eve. 

Kevin Conroy (21) of Glenfield, Timahoe Road, Portlaoise admitted being intoxicated, engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour and resisting arrest at Market Square, Portlaoise on December 24, 2025. 

Sergeant Kevin O’Sullivan said the man who was “highly intoxicated” and “attempting to start fights” and when Gardaí arrived he began “telling them to f**k off on numerous occasions”.  He said the man resisted arrest and an arresting Garda suffered a fractured finger during the arrest.  He said the man had no previous convictions. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick described her client as “an unwelcome addition to the square on Christmas eve”. 

She said he was a sub contractor on the railway line and had drunk far too much on the night in question. 

“He is extremely apologetic for the nuisance he caused on the night,” said Ms Fitzpatrick, who told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that her client had little recollection of the events. 

She said the man had brought €1,000 to court and will not be a regular visitor to the court. She said he plans to travel to Australia and he was pleading guilty at the very first opportunity. 

“He is hoping the court can see their way to leaving him without a conviction,” said Ms Fitzpatrick, who noted the man had not been charged with assault despite the injury to the Garda. 

Judge Susan Fay ordered a probation report, restorative justice, referred the man to the Athy Alternative Project and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on June 16 for finalisation. The €1,000 compensation was handed over to Sgt O’Sullivan.