'Highly abusive' -County Longford man told to make donation after public order breaches

A Longford man who admitted two public order breaches at Longford District Court, has been directed to make a payment to a charitable organisation.

Noel Small (58) of Greville Court, Granard pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and failing to comply with a garda direction to leave the area at Cranalaghmore, Edgeworthstown on May 21, 2025.

Sgt Shane Kelleher, court presenter, said Gardaí attended the scene at about 9.30pm to investigate a reported disturbance at a property in Edgeworthstown.

He stated when officers arrived at the scene the defendant had left and he was located a short distance away in a public place.
"Gardaí attempted to speak to Mr Small and enquire about what had happened but he became highly abusive.

"He was shouting and roaring, he was highly intoxicated and he was a danger to himself walking along the main road in an unsteady manner."

Sgt Kelleher said the defendant was arrested a short time later and brought to Longford Garda Station.

The court heard Mr Small had four previous convictions.
Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said there were unfortunate circumstances and the incident had arisen due to a 'family disagreement'.

"The property he attended was his daughter and son-in-law and there was a disagreement there going back to other issues and unfortunately Mr Small was intoxicated on the evening and he acknowledges his wrongdoing there.

"Clearly he is not a person that is particularly known to the court."

Mr Quinn said his client, who is receiving social welfare, had suffered from a medical issue and addiction had been a problem for him in recent years.

"Mr Small said he won't be going near or contacting the parties again."

Judge Bernadette Owens directed Mr Small to pay €200 to Lus na Gréine Family Resource Centre, Granard, indicating if this was done she would strike out the case, before adjourning it until January 13, 2026.

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