In Pictures: First court case in Limerick village is re-enacted on 100th anniversary

THE case of man found drunk and disorderly in Newcastle West almost a century ago was re-enacted in court over the weekend.

As part of An Garda Siochana's centenary commemorations, a judge sat at the former Adare District Court for the first time since its closure in 2009.

Judge Carol Anne Coolican heard the case of a Daniel Kelly from Rathkeale, who pleaded guilty while drunk of disorderly behaviour in Limerick's county town back on October 3, 1923.

The defendant was duly convicted and ordered to pay a fine of 40 shillings and 2/6 in costs - or else face time in Tralee Male Gaol.

In an added twist, the daughter of Garda Michael McKenna, who as one of the first five gardai in Newcastle West was a witness to the case also witnessed its retelling.

Barbara McKenna travelled across from Sheffield in the British county of South Yorkshire in the north of England to be part of the occasion.

In Pictures: Celebrations in Limerick town to mark 100 years since arrival of first gardai

The commemoration came almost 100 years to the day the first six garda officers arrived to serve the Newcastle West district, for which Adare falls under.

The former Adare distict court is located above Aunt Lena's pub in the village, and the event coincided with an open day at the area's garda station.

Here, Limerick units were on display including the armed support division, scenes of crime and public order units.

The village’s garda station was originally located in what was the Adare courthouse.

A number of local politicians were in attendance including Minister of State Niall Collins, Independent TD Richard O'Donoghue plus local councillors Bridie Collins and Kevin Sheahan, himself a former detective garda who provided security detail to former Taoiseach Jack Lynch among other luminaries.

A floral wreath was laid outside Adare garda station as officers remembered their former colleague Jerry McCabe, who was murdered by members of the Provisional IRA in 1996.

Speaking at an occasion she described as “momentous”, Judge Coolican paid tribute to An Garda Siochana on its 100th anniversary.

“I wish the next 100 years be as successful as the last 100 years. For every member of the force, whether serving or retired, thank you for your service to the State,” she said to a round of applause.