LAST UPDATE | 9 hrs ago

EIGHT MEN HAVE appeared in court in Co Galway charged with violent disorder in Ballinasloe during the International Horse Fair in the town.

There was a large garda presence outside Loughrea Courthouse where the men, aged 18 to 30, appeared before a special sitting of Loughrea District Court today.

Seven of the men were charged with violent disorder at Saint Michael’s Square, Townparks, Ballinasloe, County Galway on Saturday.

They were: Bernard Cawley (24) of 4 Canal Drive, Ballinasloe, Co Galway; John Ward (29) of 18 Esker Park, Arcadia, Athlone, Co Westmeath; Patrick Ward (29) of Flat 6, Dunlo Centre, Dunlo Street, Ballinasloe, Co Galway; John Ward (20) and Bernard Ward (25) both of 42 Hymany Park, Ballinasloe, Co Galway; Bernard McDonagh of 17 Blackberry Lane, Athlone, Co Westmeath; and Joe Joyce (24) of Farnagh, Moate, Co Westmeath.

Two of the men were charged with violent disorder at The Marina Car Park, Townspark, Ballinasloe, contrary to Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act.

They were Joyce – who faces two violent disorder charges – and Gerry Ward (18) of 42 Hymany Park, Ballinasloe.

Garda Pádraig Connolly and Garda Rudy Kelly of Tuam Garda Station, Garda Michelle Hallinan of Ballinasloe Garda Station and Inspector Declan Rock gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

The court heard that seven of the men made no reply after caution and one man, the older John Ward, said “no comment” when charged under caution.

Joyce appeared in court with a white bandage wrapped around his head.

Gerry Ward was hobbling and defence barrister Martin Durack said his client had an ankle injury that needed medical attention in Portiuncula University Hospital Ballinasloe.

Judge Olivia Traynor remanded seven of the men on bail to appear before the 26 November sitting of Ballinasloe District Court for directions from the Director of Public Prosecution.

Joyce was remanded on bail to appear before the 3 December sitting of Ballinasloe District Court.

All eight men made cash lodgements of €500 as part of their bail conditions.

They agreed to be of good behaviour, attend all court appearances, and not contact witnesses or other parties involved in the alleged violent disorder incident, either directly or indirectly or by social media.

McDonagh, and the older John Ward must stay out of Ballinasloe as part of their bail conditions.

Patrick, Gerry, Bernard and the younger John Ward as well as Cawley must stay out of Athlone as part of their bail conditions.

Joyce must stay out of Ballinasloe and Athlone, apart from medical or legal appointments, as part of his bail conditions.

The court heard that two of the men, Cawley and the older John Ward, were unemployed and one, Patrick Ward, was working part-time.

Defence barristers Christina Burke and Durack instructed by Dublin-based solicitor Evan Moore, reserved applications for legal aid.

Rock indicated there may be further charges brought against the accused, and Garda Hallinan said further charges may be brought against other individuals arising from the same incidents.