Family members jailed following street brawl close to Limerick school
Judge Colin Daly described what happened as a ‘brazen act of disregard’
Two members of the same family have been sentenced for their roles in a public brawl close to a primary school in Limerick city.
Sarah Collins, aged 31, with an address of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra, Weston, pleaded guilty, at Limerick Circuit Court, to violent disorder and production of an implement arising from an altercation on January 30, 2025.
Jayden Collins, aged 26, also of Hyde Avenue, pleaded guilty to one charge of violent disorder arising from the same incident.
During a sentencing hearing, Judge Colin Daly heard that Ms Collins had contacted gardaí on the date of the offence as her vehicle was damaged earlier in the day. They subsequently attended her home but she declined to make a formal statement of complaint.
As gardaí were leaving the property, they noticed a large group had gathered about 30 yards away. A fight was then in progress.
Outlining facts of the case, prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan said Ms Collins retrieved a wooden baseball bat from under a car - at which point the mother-of-three was directed to drop the weapon.
Mr O’Sullivan said she refused and then made her way towards the altercation.
Giving evidence, Detective Garda Eoin Cleary said he observed Jayden Collins and another man in the midst of this brawl, which was broken up by gardaí shortly afterwards.
The incident took place at approximately 2:35pm and there were a number of people in the area as it was close to pick-up time at a local school.
Throughout the fight, Mr Higgins was seen on top of Mr Collins, hitting him. Judge Colin Day was also told that Mr Collins was “roaring profanities” at this man. A total of eight people were involved.
Upon reaching the location of the dispute, Ms Collins, who first attempted to conceal the implement, had the bat removed by gardaí. The Circuit Court heard she was observed by gardai swinging kicks at Lee Higgins.
In an interview after his arrest, Jayden Collins admitted involvement in the incident, telling gardai that he began fighting as his cousin was being attacked. The now-26-year-old identified himself on CCTV and was subsequently charged.
Sarah Collins, who was arrested on April 9, 2025, also made full admissions regarding her role in the altercation.
Mr O’Sullivan said a “number of punches” were thrown during the fight, which moved from one side of the street to another.
Jayden Collins has one previous conviction for violent disorder while Ms Collins, has a number of priors. These include possession of drugs for sale/supply among others.
Describing the “delicate” nature of the fight, Mr O’Sullivan said it was linked to a “violent” feud between “two competing factions.”
Due to this, there have been 26 reports of discharged firearms in the last three years. More than 70 incidents linked to feud have been recorded in total, including incidents of criminal damage, assault causing harm and threats to kill.
Members of the another family have been sentenced separately for their roles in the incident.
In mitigation, Joseph McMahon BL stated his client was a “supporting character” in the dispute.
He asked that Sarah Collins' guilty plea be taken into account adding that said his client’s son had been injured in the fight before she became involved.
Mr McMahon said the mother-of-three did not cause any injuries and he stated she is aware she should have not engaged.
Barrister Erin O’Hagan also said her client, Jayden Collins, was also part of the supporting act and that the fight was underway when he got involved. She said he was dealt with quickly by gardaí and she described her client as a “young man” with a “young child.”
In mitigation, Mr McMahon said his client is a single mother of three children, two of which have health conditions. Ms Collins works part-time and helps care for her mother, who also struggles with her health.
Ms O’Hagan stated that her client has taken responsibility for his actions. Mr Collins has a good work history and it was disclosed that he lost both parents at a young age.
The 26-year-old had his bail revoked on May 27 and has been in custody since.
In sentencing, Judge Colin Daly said what occurred along Hyde Avenue was a “brazen act of disregard” and that the harm which was caused to the local community must be considered.
A brazen act of disregard
He said both Collins’, though not originally involved, did consciously partake in the altercation.
Judge Daly sentenced Sarah Collins to 18 months’ imprisonment for violent disorder and possession of an implement. He then sentenced Jayden Collins to two years’ imprisonment.
This was backdated to May 27, when he first entered custody.