Trial of four Longford men accused of violent disorder may last five weeks

The judge presiding over the January sitting of Longford Circuit Court, Judge Kenneth Connolly, has indicated he will write to the President of the High Court to expedite a trial of four men accused of a violent disorder incident from 2019.

The four Longford men are charged in connection with an alleged Traveller feud. Patrick Hannifin of The Red Brick House, Dublin Road, Longford, Robbie Hannafin, Corboy, Edgeworthstown, Longford, Thomas Hannafin, Dublin Road, Longford and Denis Hannafin, Curry, Athlone Rd, Longford are all charged with engaging in violent disorder.

The defendants are also charged with allegedly carrying out Section 3 assaults on members of the McGinley family at The Holy Family Church, Mervue, Galway on January 13, 2019. Robert Hannifin faces an additional charge of possession of a firearm arising from the incident.

Counsel for Denis Hannifin, Dara Foynes SC, pointed out that the matter has been “in the court list for some time”.

Ms Foynes said she wished to “agitate for priority” for a hearing of the matter as soon as possible

Counsel for Robert Hannifin, Niall Flynn BL, suggested that the case will require a four to five week hearing and said it may require a special sitting of the Circuit Court.

Patrick O'Sullivan BL, acting for Patrick Hannifin, said his client was “anxious the case would go on as soon as possible”.

Remanding the defendants on continuing bail to the February 23 sitting of Longford Circuit Court Judge Connolly said he would write to the President of the High Court for a six week special sitting of the Longford Circuit Court to accommodate the case.