GAA STAR CASSIDY AMONG FIVE MEN GIVEN COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR NIGHTCLUB FIGHT

July 11, 2012

Former Donegal GAA star Kevin Cassidy and his brother Stephen have been given community service sentences after admitting their parts in a fight outside a nightclub.

The pair appeared in court along with three brothers following the fight outside Voodoo Nightclub in Gaoth Dobhair in August 2008.

The court heard the Cassidy and Maguire brothers had taken part in a fight during which part of a man’s ear was bitten off.

Garda Sgt Jim Collins said the fight arose after claims that Kevin Cassidy had been assaulted inside the nightclub.

When he arrived he found the two times GAA All-Star outside the club with blood coming form his nose.

The 30 year old claimed he had been assaulted by two men inside the club.

Garda Collins told both Kevin Cassidy and his brother Stephen, 37 to go home.

However a few minutes later he witnessed the two Cassidy brothers charge at Shaun, Niall and Michael Maguire.

Witnesses revealed how Stephen Cassidy lunged at the head of Shaun Maguire and appear to bite his ear which started to bleed heavily.

The court was told that there is still a piece missing from Shaun Maguire’s ear and he has yet to decide if he wants to have surgery on it.

The court was told there was a certain background to the feud between the rival groups but that they had not come to the attention of the Gardai since the incident in 2008.

Judge John O’Hagan interrupted proceedings and said he had decided what he had planned to do in the matter.

He said the matter was four years old now and he hoped both parties had matured somewhat and would stay out of eachother’s way.

He said he planned to give all men community service orders instead of sending them to jail.

He sentenced Stephen Cassidy of Upper Brinaleck, Gweedore to 240 hours community service in lieu of one year in prison for assault.

His brother Kevin of Coteen, Derrybeg was sentenced to 180 hours in lieu of six months in prison for causing an affray.

Shaun Maguire, 28, of Ardsbeg, Gortahork was sentenced to 50 hours community service in lieu of one month in prison for a charge under the Public Order Act.

His brother Michael Maguire, 21, was sentenced to 180 hours community service in lieu of six months in jail for causing an affray.

Another brother Niall Maguire was sentenced to 180 hours community service in lieu of six months in prison.

Judge John O’Hagan said he noted that all were footballers and said he hope “Donegal football doesn’t lose out the next time.”

 

 

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