A man who collected €196 on St Patrick’s Day in Belmullet without a permit, for an organisation which has not yet been established, was before Belmullet District Court on Wednesday.
Sergeant John Flannery outlined that during the national day of celebration, Derek Ingley, 6 Atlantic View, Belmullet, was observed collecting for the Mayo disabled coarse fishing club—an organisation which was not operational, with Ingley being the only member. The defendant had no permit and was arrested.
Solicitor for Ingley, Alan Gannon, said that the matter was a regulatory matter rather than a criminal matter. Ingley, who has no previous convictions, told the court that he represented Ireland at coarse fly fishing and wanted to set up a club in Mayo.
Judge Gibbons wished Ingley well in the establishment of his club in bringing Mayo to the forefront stating: “Mayo have to start winning some time”.
Judge Gibbons struck out the charge and directed that the money which was collected be directed to the Minister of Finance.
