Clare farmer arrested in Limerick following his wife’s birthday party celebration

A FARMER was arrested in Limerick city centre after he had “way too much to drink” at his wife’s birthday party, a court has heard.

Paul Moroney, aged 32, with an address at Doolin Road, Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, pleaded guilty to resisting gardaí and two other charges under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.

At Limerick District Court, prosecuting garda Sergeant Denis Waters told the court that the incident in question took place on Denmark Street in Limerick city on September 14, 2025.

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At approximately midnight, An Garda Síochána were contacted by staff at a local premises who reported a “highly intoxicated” male causing a disturbance.

When gardaí arrived at the scene, Mr Moroney was “shouting, roaring and swinging his arms”.

Sgt Waters added that he was aggressive towards gardaí and subsequently resisted arrest.

The court heard the accused was pushing and kicking as gardaí attempted to get him into their vehicle.

This continued for several minutes and it took several attempts, despite a number of gardaí being in attendance.

However, no one was injured in the incident.

Mr Moroney has seven previous convictions, all for road traffic offences.

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Solicitor Páraic Nesbitt, representing the accused, said his client was “extremely apologetic” about his behaviour.

He explained that it was Mr Moroney’s wife’s birthday and that he had had “way too much to drink”.

At this point, Judge Patricia Harney interjected to say that that was “some present for her”.

Mr Nesbitt went on to explain that the incident was “very out of character” for the man, who works as a farmer and has two children.

Judge Harney gave the accused credit for his early plea of guilty and acknowledged that he had “never done anything like this before”.

She said that the charge of resisting gardaí under Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 was the “most serious” of the offences.

She imposed a fine of €400 and gave him four months to pay. The two other public order offences were both marked as taken into consideration.