Armed men weaved through traffic on busy Limerick road, court hears

MEN armed with weapons, including a pitch fork, slash hook and a stick, weaved in and out of traffic on a busy Limerick road in a row over an allegation a child had been knocked down.

One man received a skull fracture and a bleed to his brain, while another lost a part of his finger in the incident earlier this year.

Judge Tom O’Donnell said it was “absolutely outrageous” and took place on one of the main thoroughfares in and out of the city.

Brothers, Michael Quilligan Jnr, aged 35, and Sam Quilligan, aged 34, with addresses at Altamira Court, Priory Road, Thomondgate, Limerick city and in England, pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State Solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Áine McWilliams.

Mr O’Sullivan said Michael and Sam Quilligan travelled to Long Pavement Halting Site in a silver Avensis on February 9, 2023.

“Mr A and Mr B were driving out (of the halting site) in a red Avensis,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

The court heard that the Quilligan brothers and Mr A and Mr B, armed with weapons which included a pitch fork, slash hook and a stick, weaved in and out of traffic on the busy road in broad daylight.

The cars were driven at individuals and deliberately rammed each other which caused extensive damage to the vehicles.

Det Garda McWilliams said members of the public contacted gardai. Mr O’Sullivan said it is believed by gardai that the catalyst was an allegation a child at the Long Pavement Halting Site was struck by a car allegedly driven by Mr A or Mr B.

Four men charged following violent incident at Limerick service station

“Mr A and B retreated to the halting site. Sam Quilligan lost a part of his finger. Michael Quilligan spent a number of days in a high dependency unit. Mr A and Mr B’s injuries were not as serious as the Quilligan brothers. They came out much the worse,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

The prosecuting barrister said Michael Quilligan, whose primary residence is in England, is a married man with seven children.

His previous convictions include four robbery, nine public order, five criminal damage, assault, theft, handling stolen property.

Sam Quilligan has 93 previous convictions which include 40 road traffic, 17 public order, eight thefts, two handling stolen property, four burglary and possession of a knife. Mr O’Sullivan said both brothers have spent time at the former majesty's pleasure in England.

Joseph McMahon, barrister for Michael Quilligan, said his client received a skull fracture, a bleed to his brain and, for a period of time, was slurring his words and couldn’t identify his children.

“He identified himself on CCTV to gardai and made admissions. He is eager to have the matter dealt with. His son recently celebrated his first Holy Communion which is a very big milestone in the Traveller community. He is sitting in his cell with the words of his son ‘when will you be coming home, daddy?’ ringing in his ears,” said Mr McMahon.

Jack Nicholas, barrister for Sam Quilligan, said his client expresses his apologies to the court and remorse for it having occurred at all.

“It was a very heated incident - there was no premeditation or planning. He has pleaded guilty and suffered an injury. He accepts it was a disgraceful situation. It is his first time before the circuit court,” said Mr Nicholas.

Judge Tom O’Donnell said it was “absolutely outrageous” and took place on one of the main thoroughfares in and out of the city.

“Slash hooks, sticks, cars ramming at each other. It is deeply frightening to the public. They started it and came out second best but it wouldn’t have happened if they hadn't gone there to sort matters out in the most egregious manner. It is unacceptable in any civilised society,” said Judge O’Donnell.

Michael Quilligan was also before the circuit in relation to an arranged fight between himself and a member of a family fromAskeaton at Quarry Road, Thomondgate on Christmas Day, 2019.

Other parties brought baseball bats and a slash hook.

Judge O’Donnell spoke of the irony of arranging a fight on Christmas Day when it is supposed to be a day of peace and tranquility.

The judge handed down a six-month jail sentence on Michael Quilligan for the Quarry Road incident on Christmas Day. It was backdated to March 7, 2023, when Mr Quilligan was remanded in custody.

A consecutive two-and-half-year prison sentence with the last 18 months suspended was imposed on Michael Quilligan for the violent disorder incident at Long Pavement Halting Site.

Judge O’Donnell imposed a two-and-a-half year jail sentence on Sam Quilligan for violent disorder with the last 12 months suspended, backdated to February 9, 2023.