Six Donegal brothers remanded on bail over Ballyhaunis assaults

SIX brothers, varying in ages from late 20s to early 30s, who appeared before Judge Mary Devins at Castlebar Distinct Court today (Tuesday) on charges arising out incidents at a funeral in Ballyhaunis yesterday (Monday), were remanded on bail to appear back in Castlebar District Court on July 19 with the possibility of facing further charges.

The six, all with the same addresses at a halting site, The Big Isle, Manorcunningham, Co. Donegal, were given bail under a number of conditions, which included a cash lodgement of €500 each to be made in court.

Michael McDonagh, Thomas McDonagh, Owen McDonagh, Johnny McDonagh, Patrick McDonagh and Martin McDonagh were charged with Section 3 assaults and each surrendered their passport and agreed to abide by a daily curfew from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and to sign on at Letterkenny Garda Station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

It was also a condition of their bail that they provide a mobile telephone number and stay out of counties Mayo and Clare unless they have a court appearance or need to consult with their solicitors.

Each of the defendants, who were arrested yesterday and remanded in custody overnight, also gave an undertaking not to contact any witnesses that may be involved in the case.

Inspector Tom Calvey, who laid down the bail conditions, said more charges are likely to be preferred against the defendants, all of whom had their applications for free legal aid deferred.