The woman who made a drunken protest to Deputy Mary O'Rourke on the St Patrick's Day reviewing stand with an inflatable hammer was told “prison was on the line for you” as her sentencing was adjourned for a number of weeks to await a probation report.
“I'd worry your conduct would reflect on their standing,” said Judge John Neilan when told the defendant had children.
However, he did add: “I'm sure those on the reviewing stand would have sympathy with your situation”.
The court had earlier been told of how the defendant, a local woman in her fifties, had walked in front of the parade before climbing onto the reviewing stand in front of the castle “and started abusing people on the stand,” according to Inspector Nicholas Farrell.
“F**k Fianna Fail and f**k the recession,” she was alleged to have shouted at the TD, according to others on the reviewing stand.
“She accepts fully her behaviour on the day, but has no recollection,” said her solicitor Mr Mark Cooney.
“She has not made an application to be marshal for next year,” he added.
Inspector Farrell told the court the defendant had three previous convictions, all for similar offences.
The judge sought a probation report “to investigate the difficulties of the defendant's life” and allowed her legal aid, despite earlier having said: “If people have money for alcohol they should save money for a solicitor”.
Judge Neilan continued with an illuminating anecdote.
“About 1960 or '61 we had a sacristan who was fond of a few drinks and he used to ring the Angelus at twenty past five or quarter to six, depending on how the sun was shining,” said the judge.
“The priest went to him and said 'Paddy, I know you're drunk and you know you're drunk but there's no need to ring the Angelus at twenty past five and let the whole town know you're drunk'.”
Judge Neilan read a doctor's report handed in to him by Mr Cooney but warned: “With those previous convictions prison is on the line for you”.
However, he remanded her on continuing bail until July 1 to await the probation report.
“It goes without saying you should try to stay sober,” said the judge.
