Charities within the three-court region under the direction of Judge Seamus Hughes are to benefit to the tune of €52,500 for the year 2012, it was revealed this week.
The biggest recipient amongst the three towns of Athlone, Mullingar, and Longford is the Society of St Vincent de Paul, which was awarded a total of €15,000 for their work with the poor throughout the year.
A total of 28 charities, sports clubs, drug treatment centres, cancer support groups, and womens’ refuges benefited in Athlone and Mullingar, with a further 10 benefiting in Longford.
The money is collected in court throughout the year, and is separate from fines and compensation.
In many cases where it is a first offence, or Judge Hughes feels it is extremely unlikely the defendant will be seen in court again, he will seek a donation to the court’s poor box in lieu of a conviction.
At the end of the year, Judge Hughes will collate all written applications to court services from local charities and will disburse accordingly.
Along with the usual charities, recipients in Athlone included €2,000 for Ss Peter and Pauls restoration fund, and €500 to the Willow Park Residents Association.
In Mullingar, these included the 1428 Active Retirement Club, and the Variety Club.
