THREE MORE men have appeared in court facing charges relating to the riot involving two rival factions at a housing estate in Mullingar, Co Westmeath on Monday.
Judge John Coughlan denied bail to John Nevin (27), Dalton Park, his cousin James Nevin (23), St Michael's Park, and John McDonagh (33), Dalton Park.
In each case he said he was satisfied with Garda evidence that the men were likely to interfere with witnesses and to reactivate violence in Mullingar.
He did not accept commitments given by the men under oath that if granted bail, they would use the time to discuss the feud. None of the men was able to explain to Insp Pat Murray of Tullamore Garda station why they were willing to enter mediation now but would not do so in advance of Monday's incident.
Each of the men faced public order charges of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour and both James Nevin, who was described as one of the main instigators of the violence and John McDonagh were charged with failing to obey the direction of a member of the Garda Síochána.
John Nevin was charged under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act with having a 2ft-long sword.
Det Garda Adrian O'Reilly described the riot as involving approximately 200 people, with about 100 people on each side. Gardaí seized items used in the incident including golf clubs, samurai swords, petrol bombs, chainsaws and garden implements.