Man had ‘large rounded stick’ up his sleeve in Portlaoise

A man admitted to possessing ‘a large rounded stick’ when searched by Gardaí in Portlaoise. 

Eric Hanley (29) of 5 Oakview Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 admitted having “a large rounded stick” at Lyster Square, Portlaoise on February 12, 2026. 

Detective Garda Pat Camon said an interaction with two males was observed at 3.45pm in Lyster Square on the date in question. Gardaí stopped and searched both males and the defendant “was found in possession of a large handle up his sleeve”.

He told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the handle was a little under two feet long. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was pleading guilty. He said the man had no previous convictions and explained that the individual he was with would be known to the court. 

“He had it in circumstances to be used as a shield not a sword”, said Mr Fitzpatrick. 

“If this situation turned nasty it was to be used as a shield,” he said.  

Det Camon said “there was an altercation to take place but not with this gentleman”. 

He told Judge Catherine Ryan that the defendant had concealed the implement.  

Mr Fitzgerald said his client recognises that he shouldn’t have had the stick and the man has an otherwise unblemished record.

“He hasn’t come to any attention since or beforehand”, agreed Det Camon. 

Judge Ryan noted that the man wasn’t brandishing the stick and had no previous convictions. 

She granted legal aid and gave the man the benefit of the probation act but informed him that the incident, while not a conviction, remained on his record.