Three in court over Clare incident

A man appeared in court today charged with producing a slash-hook at a primary school in Ennis, Co Clare, yesterday afternoon.

Conor Mahon (20) appeared at Ennis District Court along with his wife Rose Mahon (22) and her sister Laura Molloy (20) in connection with the incident at the Holy Family Junior School as parents collected their children after school.

Mr Mahon of Ballaghboy halting site, Quin Rd in Ennis is charged with being in possession of an offensive weapon, a slash hook and a breach of public order.

Ms Mahon, a mother of two from the same halting site and Ms Molloy, also a mother of two, of 21 An Pairc, Bruach na hAbhainn, Ennis, were both charged with causing €1,500 of criminal damage to a car owned by Tom Sherlock and public order breaches outside the school at Station Road in Ennis.

The school caters for children from junior infants up to first class.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that gardaí were "very concerned" over what is alleged to have occurred.

He objected to bail for all three on a number of grounds.

Solicitor for Mr Mahon, Daragh Hassett, said his client is denying the charges.

In giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Garda Trevor Shannon said that Conor Mahon made 'no reply' when charged.

Garda Shannon said that Rose Mahon replied "I'm sorry" after being charged while Laura Molloy made no reply.

Judge Pat Durcan remanded both Mr Mahon and Ms Molloy in custody to re-appear at Ennis District Court on March 28th next.

Rose Mahon was also remanded in custody with consent to bail on condition she stay away from Holy Family School; observe a nightly curfew from 9pm to 7am; not having any indirect or direct contact with named individuals; stay out of certain housing estates in Ennis and sign on twice weekly at Ennis Garda Station.

This morning, gardaí distributed leaflets to parents dropping off their children at the school seeking information about the incident.