Three people charged with public order offences at Dundalk FC ground given adult caution

Three people charged with public order offences at Oriel Park, have been dealt with by way of adult caution, Dundalk district court heard last week.

They were among five people associated with Dundalk Football Club who were summoned following an incident at the Carrick Road stadium on October 18th 2024 after a 2-0 loss to Derry City in the League of Ireland Premier Division, which confirmed Dundalk’s relegation to the First Division last season.

Jason McConville (37) of Áth Leathan, Racecourse Road, Dundalk, 60 year old Andrew Connolly (Dundalk FC's former joint-owner) and Ava Connolly (20) both of Tankardsrock, Kilkerley were each summoned for using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, while Mr. McConville was also accused of assault.

Their cases had previously been adjourned so adult cautions could be administered, and the court heard confirmation last week that had taken place.

Judge Nicola Andrews also applied the Probation Act and dismissed the summons against the then owner of the club John Temple of Rathcor, Riverstown, after hearing he had paid €500 to the North Louth Hospice as previously directed by Judge Stephanie Coggans.

He had pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. However, after Mr Temple asked for his case to be recalled, he told Judge Andrews that as a barrister he had admitted the offence on the basis that if he made the donation the matter would be struck out.

He stressed that he was eligible for an adult caution and explained that applying Section 1 (1) of the Probation Act would remain on the Garda PULSE system.

After clarifying the matter over the lunch break, Judge Andrews vacated her original order and struck out the matter simpliciter (unconditionally).

A fifth person remains before the court, as he is contesting the same public order offence and two counts of alleged assault with that case due to be heard in May.