'What in name of God were you doing' -Judge not impressed by Longford traffic cone thrower

A North Longford man, who was caught by "Gardaí throwing traffic cones on to a busy road, has been directed to make a charity contribution to avoid a conviction.

Michael Columb (51), whose address was given as Carn Tulach,Kiltimagh, Co Mayo pleaded guilty to a public order breach of 'threatening, abusive, or insulting behavior in public with intent to provoke a breach of peace' at Main Street, Granard on August 8, 2025.

Sergeant Mark Mahon Garda Brady was on duty at 11pm when she encountered the defendant.

"He was highly intoxicated on the Main Street and he was throwing cones on to the road.

"Gardaí spoke to him to direct him to stop and to leave the area but he refused to comply with the Gardaí.

"As a result of this interaction he became verbally abusive towards Garda Una Brady and he refused to co-operate and he was arrested."

Mr Columb informed Judge Deirdre Gearty he lives in Longford and his girlfriend lives at the Kiltimagh address.

The court heard he had no previous convictions.

Solicitor John Anderson said his client was old enough to have had more sense.

The legal representative said Mr Columb began drinking heavily at home in 2019 after the death of a his father, who he had cared for for several years.

"He tells me he is off alcohol now and he is doing very well."

Mr Anderson said his client is temporarily out of work but he is hoping to secure work as a PSV driver in the near future and he had brought money to court.

"He has brought €300 with him to court, I don't know if you could deal with it in such a way as a charity donation and not record a formal conviction, we are in your hands in that regard."

Judge Deirdre Gearty said she could not believe what she was hearing.

"What in the name of God were you doing throwing traffic cones. Where did you get them?," she added.

Mr Columb, who said he had a girlfriend in county Mayo, stated did not remember anything about the incident and he was 'meant to be on my way to Mayo'.

There was an eruption of laughter in the courthouse as Judge Gearty replied and delivered her next line humorously.

'Well she was spared that...You were going to bring her one as a souvenir from Granard were you?

Judge Gearty directed the defendant to make a €300 donation to Little Blue Heroes who provide practical and financial support to families of children who are battling serious illnesses in Ireland.

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