Five young men have appeared in court charged in connection with an incident in which Gardai were injured following a major fracas in Co Donegal.
The alleged fracas took place on November 6th last in Donegal Town.
A number of Gardai had to receive treatment following the fracas which broke out outside a premises on Quay Street in the town at around 2am.
Five young men, aged in their teens and into their early 20s, were arrested at the scene and charged in connection with the incident.
All five young men appeared at a sitting of Donegal District Court today before Judge Sandra Murphy.
The court heard that some members of the Gardai are still off duty as a result of the injuries they received on the night.
Inspector Anthony Coyle said the investigation into the incident was at an early stage.
He requested that all cases against the five men be adjourned until March 5th next to allow for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
All five men are from Co Fermanagh.
The first accused, Darragh Clerkin, represented by barrister Roisin Haughey, is charged with obstructing Garda Paul Leape in the course of his duty, being intoxicated in a public place and a breach of the peace.
Legal aid was granted to Clerkin of Deerpark, Derryheanlish, Roslea, Fermanagh.
Brother Darragh and Micheal Flanagan were also charged in connection with the incident.
Darragh Flanagan, aged 18, of Ervey Road, Eshnakerins, Rosleagh, Fermanagh is charged with a breach of the peace, being intoxicated in a public place, assaulting Garda Alan Gallagher causing him harm and also assaulting trainee Garda Reece Meldrum.
His brother Michael Flanagan, aged 21, of Bruscanagh Road, Roslea, Fermanagh, is charged with being intoxicated in a public place, a breach of the peace, assaulting trainee Garda Reece Meldrum and assaulting Garda Alan Gallagher causing him harm.
Another accused, Mark Hughes, aged 20, of Dressoge Road, Maguiresbridge, Fermanagh, is charged with a breach of the peace, being intoxicated in a public place and also obstructing Garda Gerard James Curtis in the execution of his duty.
The last young man to appear was Sean Lynam, aged 23, of Bunnisnaggaple Road, Enniskillen who was charged with a breach of the peace and being intoxicated at Tirchonail Street on the date in question.
His solicitor, Mr Frank Murphy said he was asking for his client adjournment date to be sooner than the others as he was planning to emigrate to Australia on January 12th next.
However, Garda Inspector Anthony Coyle said there may be further charges and that Gardai may not have DPP directions by that stage.
Mr Murphy argued that his client was not facing serious assault charges but Judge Murphy said that overall “These are serious matters, very serious matters.”
“I think he will have to postpone his travel arrangements,” she said.
All cases were adjourned until March 5th for DPP directions.
