Clash at church results in legal proceedings against six relatives in County Donegal
In a shocking turn of events, six members of the same family will stand trial after a brawl that occurred outside the Church of the Irish Martyrs in Letterkenny, County Donegal, on August 18th, 2024. The incident, which took place during Sunday Mass, has left the community in shock.
The men involved in the incident were later arrested, with five appearing in person and one by videolink in Falcarragh District Court. Gary Reilly (20) was charged with violent disorder on the same date. Brian Reilly (28) is charged with producing a slash hook, intended to cause injury to, incapacitate or intimidate a person, in a church car park in relation to an ongoing dispute with members of another family who were present at the time.
Michael Reilly Sr (57) was charged with threatening and abusive behavior with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, as well as possession of a slash-hook with intention to cause injury or intimidate. Michael Reilly Jr (31) was charged with threatening and abusive behavior with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, and possession of a small axe and two sharp kitchen knives. Thomas Reilly (22) and John Paul Reilly (30) were charged with threatening and abusive behavior, and having a foldable garden saw with intention to cause injury or intimidate.
Legal aid was granted to one of the accused men, and one junior counsel was assigned to the six accused. All apart from Brian Reilly were released on bail. The judge issued the alibi warning to all accused men and adjourned the cases until October 28th next.
The men were charged with committing violent disorder, contrary to section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. All six were served with books of evidence in the case.
The Reilly family's ancestors are believed to have established the family's presence in the area, and they are directly related as forebears to the currently arrested family members. Fr Ciaran Harkin, the parish priest, strongly condemned the incident and later reassured parishioners that steps had been taken to ensure nothing similar would happen again.
The trial for the six individuals will take place at the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing on October 28th. The community eagerly awaits the outcome of this trial, hoping for justice and peace to be restored.
