Quarry worker who used racial slurs during Carrick on Shannon social outing avoids conviction

A man who appeared in court to face charges in connection with a public order incident in the early hours of the morning avoided a conviction after he made a €500 charitable donation. Kevin Connaire (29), of Ballynulty, Attymon, Athenry, Co Galway, appeared before Judge Éiteáin Cunningham in relation to an incident that occurred at around 2.05am on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

The court heard that gardaí attended the Bush Hotel on Main Street, Carrick-on-Shannon after they received reports of a disturbance involving a group of people who were not registered guests. Mr Connaire was observed raising his voice and using insulting and abusive language towards hotel staff and gardaí. It was further alleged that he used racial slurs during the incident.

The court was told that Mr Connaire refused to leave the premises when directed to do so by gardaí and was subsequently arrested under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act. tGardaí said that he continued to behave in an aggressive and abusive manner while in custody and following his release.

It was noted that Mr Connaire has no previous convictions.

The defendant was represented by solicitor Colm Conway who told the court that his client had been in Carrick-on-Shannon for a weekend social outing and that the incident had arisen due to confusion regarding hotel bookings and who was entitled to stay at the premises.

“There is absolutely no excuse for his behaviour,” Mr Conway said.

“He is a hard-working man who had too much to drink on a social outing, and he deeply regrets what happened.”

The court heard Mr Connaire works as a machine operator in the quarry industry and pays maintenance for his four-year-old child.

Mr Conway added that his client had attended at a garda station earlier that day in an attempt to apologise to the officers involved.

He informed the court that Mr Connaire had €500 with him in court and was willing to donate the money to the charity Little Blue Heroes.

Judge Cunningham said that Mr Connaire’s behaviour was of serious concern, particularly in light of the racial language used during the incident. She said such conduct would not be tolerated at any level.

However, she noted that Mr Connaire had no previous convictions and had engaged positively with the court process.

In the circumstances, the judge agreed to accept a €500 donation to Little Blue Heroes in lieu of a conviction.

The case was struck out.