Following an outbreak of violence on Monday morning in Ballyhaunis at the funeral of well known Traveller Martin ‘Red Breast’ McDonagh, six men from Donegal appeared at Castlebar District Court on Tuesday morning. The six men, all of whom are brothers, were released on bail to appear again before the court on July 19 for DPP directions and the possibility of further charges being brought forward.
The six men are Michael McDonagh (24 ), Thomas (28 ), Owen (21 ), Johnny (24 ), Patrick (22 ) and Martin (30 ). All of them having an address at The Big Isle, Manorcunningham, Letterkenny, Donegal, were arrested and charged with Section 3 assault on a Thomas McDonagh at Abbeyguarter, Ballyhaunis.
All six were given strict bail conditions by Judge Mary Devins which included them giving an undertaking of staying out of both counties Mayo and Clare, except for court business and consultations with their relevant legal representatives which will take place on the day of their next court date. Other conditions included €500 cash bail each, residing at their current address, an overnight curfew, and having no contact with the victim or any of his siblings, along with signing on at Letterkenny Garda Station and the surrender of their passports. All of the six had €500 in court for their bail and surrendered their passports to the courts.
The incident on Monday saw two men injured following violence in the town, with one man requiring treatment in Mayo University Hospital. There had been a large Garda presence in the town on Monday for the funeral after another incident had occurred at the removal of Mr McDonagh on Sunday evening.
