A 17-YEAR-OLD male who allegedly shot at two men with an “improvised firearm” during Dublin’s Smithfield horse fair this month was refused bail yesterday.
Two men were wounded after being shot in the hip and leg and another man was injured from a slash hook on March 6th at the monthly market in the city centre which was attended by up to 4,500 horse traders and spectators.
On Sunday morning last a youth was arrested in Dundalk, Co Louth, and detained at Store Street Garda station in Dublin under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
The teenager, who cannot be identified because he is a juvenile, was yesterday brought before the Dublin Children’s Court, also in Smithfield, to be charged with violent disorder and unlawful possession of an “improvised firearm” in connection with the incident.
Garda Colm Kelly told Judge Clare Leonard that the teenager made no reply to caution after he was charged in the presence of a peace commissioner.
Oral directions from the DPP have already been received for “trial on indictment”, and there were objections to bail due to the seriousness of the offence.
Garda Kelly said it was alleged the teenager “played a major part in the violence,” had an improvised firearm at the Smithfield market and “discharged it at two males in a public area”.
The incident was connected to a feud, and a man injured by another person with a machete needed a number of operations to save his arm.
Garda Kelly said it was possible that further more serious charges could be brought against the teenager.
He also said the teenager had a number of addresses including two in Northern Ireland as well as one in Tallaght, Dublin, and there were concerns that he might not turn up for his case if the court granted bail.
Defence solicitor Jim Orange said it was to be expected his client had more than one address as he was a member of the Traveller community.
He also told the court the boy resided with his mother in Tallaght.
Judge Leonard said it was necessary to remand the teenager in custody.
The youth was refused bail, and will appear again at the Children’s Court on April 5th.
The spoke briefly during the proceedings to confirm that he was seeking legal aid, which was granted.
He is the third person to be charged in connection with the incidents at the horse fair.
On March 11th, Patrick O’Reilly (42), who gave gardaí an address at Ballyarnett halting site in Derry but who also has an address at Cloonmore Park, Tallaght, was charged with violent disorder and assault causing harm to Michael McInerney
On March 9th, John Keniry (41), with an address at Rainsford Avenue, Thomas Court, Dublin, was charged with unlawful possession of a Webley .22 calibre revolver at Oliver Bond Street, Dublin.