Judge praises Offaly Traveller who is studying for career in teaching

A JUDGE said he was so impressed with a member of the Travelling community who has finished a third level degree and hopes to become a teacher that he would recommend him for a job in a school himself.

Judge Andrew Cody was referring to Aaron Hannon (22), Ballycollin Upper, Kilcormac, who in March pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder arising from his part in a pub brawl.

Mr Hannon was one of six men prosecuted in connection with the incident at Gracelands, Main Street, Kilcormac on St Patrick's Day, 2022.

In March this year Tullamore District Court was told up to nine gardai were called to a melee where a pool cue and pool balls were used as weapons, and drinking glasses and a chair were thrown. A dispute broke out after words were exchanged in the pool room.

Aisling Maloney, solicitor for Mr Hannon, said he had brought €200 to court and he was concerned about how a conviction would affect his teaching career.

Judge Cody said a conviction for violent disorder would drag behind Mr Hannon “like a ball and chain” for the rest of his life.

Ms Maloney said her client had attempted to apologise to the licensees of the pub and pointed out that Mr Hannon would be the first in his family to go to third level education and was viewed as a mentor by his brother.

The judge spoke of his admiration for Mr Hannon and his achievements and adjourned sentencing to Wednesday, October 25 for a probation report.

On Wednesday Ms Maloney said the probation report was very positive; Mr Hannon had finished his degree and would be going on to do a higher diploma in 2024.

He had gone above and beyond what was required by the court.

Judge Cody told Mr Hannon he hoped he had learned a lesson but said that what he had achieved was extraordinary and he had a huge contribution to make to his own family, his own community and society in general.

The judge had served for several years on school boards and currently was on one which had a large Traveller population “of young lads”.

“If I was on a board of interview I'd give my right arm to get you into that school,” he said.

He said young Traveller boys in particular needed good role models to keep them in school and get them educated.

What he had done in the pub could have messed up Mr Hannon's opportunity but he had done very well and now had a huge amount to contribute.

“In the circumstances I'm going to strike out all charges,” said Judge Cody.