Weapons seized in family feud violence
Two slash hooks, a bolt-cutter, a saw, a golf club, a hurley, a wheelbrace and several other weapons were seized by gardaí during the eruption of violence today in an 18-month-old family feud in Cork.
During one flashpoint in the row, angry men were walking Kilmore Road in Knocknaheeny, Cork, armed with various implements at 8.45am as children were being brought to school, according to Garda Rory McGrath. Other incidents occurred in the few hours before that.
Superintendent Michael O’Loughlin of Gurranabraher Garda Station said: “This is a very serious incident between two families. The weapons these fellas were found with could lead to a further escalation of violence in the area.
"We had four fellas seen walking around brandishing weapons from saws to slash hooks and I regret to say, a hurley, and all sorts of pipes and bars.
"This should not be allowed in any sane society.”
Eight men were arrested this afternoon and brought before Cork District Court charged with various offences arising out of the incidents.
In all but one of the eight cases, Inspector Richard O’Regan objected to bail.
Garda Rory McGrath said the objection to bail was based on the seriousness of the incidents and fears that further similar incidents would occur if bail was granted.
Judge Con O’Leary wanted to know exactly what families were alleged to have been in dispute for the past 18 months.
Gda McGrath replied: “The O’Driscoll family of 53 Killala Gardens and 36 Kilmore Road, Knocknaheeny, and the Walsh family of 106 Kilmore Road.” The guard explained that the three addresses were very close to each other in Knocknaheeny.
In courtroom two at Cork District Court at Anglesea Street tonight, four defendants, allegedly from each side of the row sat on either side of the large courtroom, flanked by a large number of gardaí.
Christopher Walsh, 23, and Gerard Walsh 21, from 106 Kilmore Road are both charged with having slash hooks at Kilmore Road to with the intention of causing injury in furtherance of a dispute.
Similarly Frank McCarthy (aged 22) from 26 Courtown Drive, Knocknaheeny, was charged with having a hurley, and Henry Cullen (aged 20) from 41 Killala Gardens, Knocknaheeny, was charged with having a slash hook.
William O’Driscoll (aged 18) of 53 Killala Gardens is charged with having a saw and a piece of wood, and Nicholas O’Driscoll (aged 26) from 82 Ardcullen, Hollyhill, is charged with having a bolt-cutters and a piece of wood and causing €1,000 damage to 106 Kilmore Road.
John Paul O’Driscoll (aged 18), from 7 Blackwater Grove, Togher, is charged with being threatening and refusing to leave the scene of a disturbance.
They were all remanded in custody to appear at Cork District Court again on October 12, except for Cullen who was granted bail until then, despite Garda objections.
There was no objection to bail being granted to John O’Driscoll (aged 18) from 10 Cushing Place, Farranree, Cork, who allegedly got involved only when arrests were being made.
He was charged with being threatening and refusing to leave the scene of a disturbance. He was remanded on bail until October 12.
