Smashed two windows at Virginia Garda Station

A Virginia man who pleaded guilty to breaking windows in a garda station as well as a public house when he appeared at the local district court has been ordered to donate €1,000 to Virginia Cancer Care. Colm O'Reilly, Annagharnett, was summoned that on March 18 at Virginia Garda Station, Main Street, he damaged two windows and on July 19 at the Whistlestop Bar, Main Street, Virginia, he damaged a window the property of Ultan Coleman. He was also summoned with public order offences on July 19. Inspector Ray McMahon told the court that in the early hours of the morning following St. Patrick's Day, the defendant caused €150 worth of damage to two windows in the garda station. He subsequently apologised for his behaviour and paid for the damage. Continuing, the inspector said that on July 19, Mr. O'Reilly attempted to gain access to the bar after it was shut. The defendant was intoxicated and he kicked in the window, causing a further €150 worth of damage. Inspector McMahon said the defendant had been given the benefit of the Probation Act in October 2009 for a public order offence. Garda Maher was of the opinion that the defendant deserved a chance and feels he could "turn around". Adrian Kelly, solicitor defending, said his client was trying to address his problems. He was a hard working individual and had paid for the damage to the garda station. "Common sense goes out the window when he has drink taken." The defendant was going on a agriculture student exchange programme to America this year. Judge sean MacBride warned the defendant not to touch alcohol and he didn't want to see him back in court again.