Dundalk FC owner given opportunity to avoid conviction

The owner and majority shareholder of Dundalk Football Club has been given the opportunity to avoid a public order conviction following an incident at Oriel Park.

John Temple (44) of Rathcor, Riverstown, Dundalk pleaded guilty at Dundalk District Court to using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour at the Carrick Road stadium on October 18th last year.

When the case was called, Mr Temple, who is a barrister and represented himself, confirmed that a guilty plea was being entered.

It went ahead after Judge Stephanie Coggans asked if anyone in the court had a problem with her dealing with the case as she knows the defendant.

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Court Presenter Sgt Richie Browne said that at 10.10pm, after the home team had played Derry FC, a public dispute arose involving multiple individuals involved with Dundalk Football Club.

He added there was a verbal altercation involving the defendant and a number of people, and John Temple had used verbal insults towards a woman.

The sergeant continued that the DPP had directed a prosecution under Section 6 of the Public Order Act saying "It was a heated exchange".

The court heard Mr Temple had no previous convictions.

He initially said he wished to address the court, but did not continue after Judge Coggans asked "Are you sure?".

The judge put the case back to January 14th for the payment of €500 to the North Louth Hospice and told Mr Temple that his attendance would be excused on the next date. If the donation is not paid, a conviction will be recorded and a €500 fine imposed.

Mr Temple assured the court that the payment will be made.

Five other people were on yesterday's court list in relation to the same alleged incident.

Sgt. Browne told Judge Coggans that a summons for allegedly using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour against Martin Connolly of Mill Road, Dundalk was being withdrawn on foot of the DPP's directions.

The other four defendants had their cases put back to October 15th when they are expected to indicate if a guilty plea is being entered or if a date for a contested hearing is required.

Andrew Connolly Junior (25) of Tankardsrock, Kilkerley is accused of two counts of assault and an alleged offence under Section 6 of the Public Order Act.

Andrew Connolly Senior (60 ) of the same address is facing a summons for allegedly using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.

Jason McConville (36) of Ath Leathan, Racecourse Road, Dundalk is also accused of the same alleged offence and a further count of assault.

Ava Connolly (20) of Tankardsrock, Kilkerley is also summoned for the same alleged Public Order offence.

In each instance, it was the first time the cases were listed.