Published: Wednesday, 4th August, 2010 5:00pm

Pensioner in court over football row

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A pensioner who was involved in a pub row over a football match found himself before Virginia District Court charged with two assaults.

John Conway (67), Carraigabruise, Virginia, was charged with assaulting Gerry Hetherton and Suzanne McGinley at the Whistle Stop, Main Street, Virginia, on June 28.

He pleaded guilty to the offences.

Garda Philip McGarry said at 2.05am, Mr. Hetherton called to the station and claimed that he and his partner Suzanne McGinley had been assaulted in the pub by the defendant.

He alleged he was punched and kicked and pushed against the wall.

Mr. Hetherton had a swollen eye and a cut to his forehead. Ms. McGinley had bruising on her arms. Both injured parties lived in Virginia.

Martin Cosgrove, solicitor defending, said his client got involved in an argument with another man over football.

Mr. Hetherton got involved and later in the toilet it kicked off again. Ms. McGinley came in and she too got involved.

"The defendant should have had more sense." The argument was in relation to a club match.

Judge David Anderson directed that the defendant pay €300 compensation to Mr. Hetherton and €200 to Ms. McGinley.

However, the victims stated they didn't want the money and asked for it to go to Crumlin's Children Hospital.

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