Charges dismissed against four over golf dinner

Independent Galway West TD Noel Grealish (55), from Carnmore, and former Fianna Fáil senator Donie Cassidy (76), The Square, Castlepollard, Co Westmeath, along with hoteliers John Sweeney (61) and his son, James Sweeney (32), each deny organising the Oireachtas golf society event in breach of Covid-19 restrictions at the Station House Hotel in Clifden on August 19th, 2020.

Speaking at the end of a three-day trial at Galway District Court, Judge Mary Fahy there had been a huge body of evidence presented to the court which showed that while there had been one golf outing, there had been two distinct areas in the hotel which catered for two groups.

“The regulations provided for 50, but in two distinct areas.  We have to admit the evidence was most impressive, from Judge (Seamus) Woulfe and Mr (Jerry) Buttimer in particular – he was most impressive,” she said.

“They were all responsible people who would not have gone to a dinner unless they felt comfortable and unless the organisers had not put in place all that was required to make it safe.

“I’m satisfied the organisers did everything to comply - not in a court of public opinion - but in the court of law in my opinion.

“Unfortunately, very good people lost lost very good jobs and very good contracts and just to clarify, I didn’t make my decision based on that.

“I’m dismissing the charges against all four defendants,” Judge Fahy said.