Four women charged with affray appear before Longford district court

Four women charged with affray will have the charges against them return before Longford District court in January.

Bernadette Keenan (45) 82 Ardnacassa Avenue, Longford, Nicole Keenan (24) 1 Richmond Court, Longford, Winnie Ward (22), 7 Richmond Street, Longford and Margaret Ward (25) 23 Palace Crescent, Longford were charged in respect of an incident at Longford Shopping Centre Car Park.

The four defendants were charged with affray and of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour as a result of the incident on May 3, 2023.

Previously the courts heard the women made no reply when the charges were put to them. Video footage of the alleged incident was widely shared online at the time.

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When the matter was first before the court strict bail conditions were attached; including orders to refrain from uploading videos and “call outs” on social media, to obey an 11pm to 8am curfew and to sign on three times a week at Longford Garda station.

Nicole Keenan and Bernadette Keenan were also ordered to have no contact either directly or indirectly with the Ward family including Winnie, Rosaleen, Margaret Ward and their partners.

Winnie and Margaret Ward were directed to desist from having any contact directly or indirectly with the Keenan family including Bernadette, Nicole, Tia Keenan and their partners.

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At last week's District Court sitting solicitor John Quinn, representing the Keenans, said his clients were going to contest the claims against them. Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, said her clients were entering a plea of guilty and anxious to have matters concluded.

Judge Bernadette Owens adjourned the matter to a sitting on January 28, 2025 for facts and penalty or a hearing date.