Shamrock Rovers fan threw bottle in pub hitting man on head

A 19- year- old Shamrock Rovers fan who threw a bottle across a pub hitting a man on the forehead came up with € 5,000 in compensation for his victim at Sligo District Court last Thursday.

Jamie Byrne of Grangebrook Avenue, Whitechurch Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 admitted assaulting Thomas Horkan at O’Neill’s pub, Chruch Hill on the opening night of the season on Saturday, March 5th last.

Horkan told the court he was in the bar when a large crowd of Shamrock Rovers came into the pub and let off a flare. Trouble started an an elderly man beside him was knocked off his stool.

Witness said when he went to his assistance he was struck with a bottle on the forehead. The bottle didn’t break.

A painter and decorator, Mr Horkan said he was off work for a couple of weeks as a result of the injury. He was now recovered.

The court heard Byrne, who was represented by Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor, was arrested on the night and spent a night in the cell at Sligo Garda Station before his appearance at a special sitting of the court the next day when he was released on bail.

Byrne apologised to his victim from the witness box and described it as a “moment of madness.” He had been in “the pub all day” prior to coming to Sligo, he said.

He agreed with Mr McGovern that he was a keen footballer and while he was a Shamrock Rovers supporter on the night he hadn’t been at a match since and no longer followed any club.

Byrne, a student who worked part- time with Dunnes Stores, said he felt ashamed at what happened and what he had put his parents through.

Mr McGovern said the defendant had put a sum of € 1,500 aside but Judge Kevin Kilrane said € 5,000 was what he had in mind if Byrne wished to be left without a criminal conviction.

After a brief adjournment, Mr McGovern said he now had € 5,000 in court. Judge Kilrane, addressing the victim said it was an unprovoked attack and he was happy he had made a full recovery. Byrne was apologetic and appeared to be sincere. He didn’t have any previous convictions.

“He’s a young man and I don’t wish to spoil his future prospects with a conviction,” said the Judge. He said the € 5,000 was without prejudice to any further action which the victim may wish to take.

“Having regard to the lack of premediation and the other factors I’ve referred to I’m prepared to give him a chance and I’m going to strike out the charge against him,” said Judge Kilrane. Mr McGovern said the defendant was most grateful.