Security staff called ‘retards’ at race day, Limerick court hears

A MAN was before Newcastle West Court for an altercation with security staff at the end of the student race day at Limerick Racecourse.

Damien Kearney, aged 26, of Cois Coille, Barnakyle, Patrickswell pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive, insulting behaviour at Limerick Racecourse on March 30, 2023.

Inspector Barry Manton, prosecuting, said the incident occurred at the conclusion of the student race day.

“The accused got in an altercation with some security staff. He behaved in an aggressive manner. He told them, ‘I’ll waste every one of you f*****g retards’. The accused was arrested. He has no previous convictions,” said Insp Manton.

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Daniel Krieth, solicitor for Mr Kearney, said his client is a 26-year-old part-time delivery driver.

“He attended the student race day with friends. Unfortunately he got very inebriated. He is very apologetic,” said Mr Krieth, who outlined the stress Mr Kearney was under at the time due to sad family circumstances.

“It’s not an excuse but it is an insight into his headspace at the time. He has friends in Australia and plans to travel there.

“He apologises and has no previous convictions,” said Mr Krieth.

Judge Carol Anne Coolican said she would strike the matter out if Mr Kearney paid €250 to the court poor box.