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A North Co. Tipperary woman, latter banned by Nenagh District Court on May 12th 2022 last, from owning dogs for 10 years, has continued to race greyhounds following a court ruling.
A comprehensive report has now been prepared for the Department of Agriculture in which Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) – [Irish – Rásaíocht Con Éireann, latter formerly the Irish Greyhound Board], have outlined certain concerns regarding a possible breach of this 2022 existing court order, which was issued to Ms Michelle Connolly, Killard, Puckaun, Nenagh, Co Tipperary relating to her future ownership of dogs.
It was at Nenagh District Court that Ms Connolly had pleaded guilty to seven offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Same guilty pleas related to three dogs, (two Maltese and a Poodle named Milly, Dolce, and Adam).
Judge Ms Elizabeth McGrath had forfeited the dogs to the care of the ISPCA and fined Ms Connolly a total of €2,000, plus ISPCA costs, and disqualified her from owning, keeping or breeding any dog for 10 years, (other than two Great Danes, she already held in her possession).
It was following a complaint, that the ISPCA had initially visited Ms Connolly’s property, on February 2nd 2019. The findings regarding the 3 animals, latter found located in a small cage behind a trailer at her property, were described by an ISPCA Inspector as being unacceptable. Photographic evidence showed one had red raw skin, another was considered underweight with matted hair and suffering a discharge, and a third dog had no hair on its tail and a portion of its hind quarters.
Greyhound Racing Ireland have now stated that following the court order, which issued back in May 2022; the case is now a matter for the courts in the context of any possible breach of the order previously issued.
Greyhound Racing Ireland have established there were no greyhounds in the immediate care of Ms Connolly, at her home, and that all greyhounds currently registered to her were with licenced trainers. The last registered activity of greyhounds, understood to be owned by Ms Connolly in Ireland, was last March, at Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium, latter venue located in Bishopstown, West Co. Cork, when her greyhound ‘Paper Moon’ raced for the eighth time since her May 2022 court order.
Ms Connolly is also understood to have trialled ‘Hot Throttle’ at the same track, where the majority of her greyhound activity had taken place.
It was in the United Kingdom that Ms Connolly had entered into a collaboration with British champion greyhound trainer Mr Mark Wallis and her partner Mr Mike Davis in 2021.
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain is aware of Ms Connolly’s previous court conviction under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, handed out here in the Republic of Ireland and are understood to be involved in their own investigations.
Gardaí currently investigating the fatal assault of a man, which occurred on December 27th last in Co. Tipperary, have made two further arrests.
The body of the polish man, aged 32 years, and named as Mr Maciej Nowak, was located at a rented house in Ballycrana, Kilross, Co. Tipperary.
We understand that two men, both aged in their 30s, were arrested on Monday evening last, in the Dublin area, as part of continuing Garda investigations
Both men are being currently detained under section 30 of the Offences against the State Act, 1939 at a Garda Station in County Tipperary.
Another man has already ben brought before Nenagh court, on Wednesday, January 3rd, last charged with assault causing harm to Mr Nowak.
Garda Investigations are continuing.
Minister for Justice Mrs Helen McEntee TD, has in recent days, strongly condemned criminal acts of arson.
The Minister stated, “People need to understand these are very serious crimes which carry heavy prison sentences and those who have carried them out will be brought to justice.
I have been in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner and I have reassured him that any resources required will be made available to him. Meanwhile, An Garda Síochána is doing everything possible to investigate these recent acts of arson. I understand they are making good progress in their investigations and I encourage anyone with any information in relation to any of these incidents to contact them”.
Mrs McEntee continued, “I also ask anyone with information either on past incidents or about possible upcoming threats to contact their local Gardaí. It is clear that a group of people in society are intent on sowing division and fear through intimidation. I repeat that there can never be justification for such acts, regardless of circumstances or alleged motivation.
An Garda Síochána and IPAS continue to work closely together to ensure effective policing plans are in place wherever there is an identified operational need.
Where accommodation centres are being established, IPAS notifies and engages with local communities through their Community Engagement Team in advance.
Gardaí are continually monitoring emerging threats, including monitoring social media activity, and stepping up policing responses as necessary”.
“Both my Department and I are fully committed to the fight against racism and bigotry and strongly condemn the actions of those who abuse and attack others because of their own prejudices. Ireland is a diverse and tolerant country, and such behaviour is not acceptable”, she concluded.
A man has sustained a gunshot wound to the arm following an incident at a sports venue in Rural Co. Tipperary.
The incident happened shortly after 9:00pm during a soccer match, being held under floodlights, near the village of Rear Cross in Co Tipperary.
Gardaí have confirmed that the as yet unnamed victim locally was treated at the scene by emergency services personnel, before being taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) for the further assessment of his gunshot wound. We understand that his injury is not life-threatening.
Investigating Gardaí are now appealing for witnesses and have preserved the scene for further forensic and technical examination.
It is thought that the shooting may have been accidental and to this end, Gardai are particularly anxious to confirm if any individual may have been hunting in the area at the time and have invited such person or persons to make themselves known.
Any person with further information are requested to contact Nenagh Garda Station, Tel: 067-50450 or the Garda Confidential Line on Tel: 1800 666 111 or indeed any Garda Station.
Circuit Court Judge Mr Gerard O’Brien has resigned from his post as Circuit Court Judge.
The 59-year-old native of Thurles, Co Tipperary was convicted last month of the sexual assault of six young men, latter who were students at the school where he was a teacher.
Mr O’Brien was aged in his 30s at the time, while the six complainants were aged between 17 and 24 years. Mr O’Brien is expected to be sentenced on March 4th 2024.
In a statement, the Minister for Justice, Mrs Helen McEntee T.D., has confirmed that Circuit Court Judge Mr Gerard O’Brien conveyed his resignation today, effective from January 5th 2024.
His resignation has been conveyed to the President in accordance with the requirements of section 6 (2) of the Courts (Establishment and Constitution) Act 1961.
The Minister will be making no further comment on this matter prior to the court finalising the case by sentencing, which is adjourned, as stated, to March 4th 2024.
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