Footballer on public order rap

A senior Cavan county footballer appeared at Kells Court last week on public order offences relating to an incident in Oldcastle last August. Cian Mackey, Keelagh, Ballyjamesduff, was given the benefit of the Probation Act when he admitted being drunk in a public place and failing to comply with the directions of a garda in Oldcastle on August 2 last year. Judge Tom Fitzpatrick was told that, during last year's Le Cheile Arts & Music Festival in Oldcastle, the Gardaí came across two youths, both of whom were drunk and arguing. The court heard that Cian Mackey had abused a garda verbally and continued to hang around when told to leave. Jimmy Walsh, defending solicitor, pointed out that the defendant had apologised to the Gardaí. He said the defendant was 22 years-old and it was his first time before the court. His father and sister were in court. "He plays football with the senior Cavan team and has been a member of the team for the past five years, even when he was a minor," Mr. Walsh said. Judge Fitzpatrick was told the defendant trains five nights a week preparing for the intercounty championships, plays for DIT Bolton Street in the Sigerson Cup and for his local club, Castlerahan, as well as playing soccer. Mr. Walsh said the defendant wanted to travel to the US, but a conviction would mean he couldn't get a visa. He handed in a number of references to the court. Judge Fitzpatrick: "When drink goes in, wit goes out." He said he would give the defendant credit for his early guilty plea and previous good record before applying the Probation Act.