'Black sheep' of the family pepper sprayed after attempting to punch Laois pub staff

A man who attempted to punch staff at a Portarlington pub had to be pepper sprayed by Gardaí. 

Mark Gallagher (42) of 55 St Brigid’s Square, Portarlington was accused of being intoxicated, engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour and failing to comply with the directions of Gardaí at After Dark, Main Street, Portarlington on December 16, 2024.  

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused was aggressive and causing a disturbance in the After Dark pub in Portarlington just after 9pm on December 16, 2024. The man threw a number of punches at staff members which thankfully didn’t connect, said Sgt Kirby. 

He said the accused had to be pepper sprayed by responding Gardaí. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald described his client as  “the black sheep of the family” and said relations with the man’s family have been strained over the years. 

However, he said the man was back working now and carries out plastering and building work. 

Judge Susan Fay imposed a two month sentence which she suspended for two years.