A man who stripped off and streaked in front of 10,000 fans and the victorious Kilkenny hurling team has been ordered to do 80 hours of community service.
Stephen Clifford (29), Emmet Street, Kilkenny, ran out onto the pitch wearing only his socks at the Cats Homecoming celebrations at Nowlan Park on Monday.
At Kilkenny District Court, Clifford entered a plea to engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at Nowlan Park on September 7th. He was convicted and ordered to carry out 80 hours of community service in lieu of six weeks in prison. He was also fined €200 for being intoxicated in a public place.
Solicitor Michael Lanigan said that his client had attended the Homecoming and “a colleague dared him to run across the field”.
“He had too much to drink and was overcome by exuberance,” said Mr Lanigan.
Clifford was quickly apprehended by gardaí and stewards and was arrested and brought to Kilkenny Garda station.
Judge Colin Daly noted the defendant would "be better off to tog out and try for the Kilkenny team".
The judge said he was taking into consideration the defendant pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
Clifford, who is unemployed, lives at home with his parents has 74 previous convictions for a range of offences including theft, trespass, engaging in threatening behaviour, possession of drugs and burglary.