Roscrea man fined for threatening to 'take on' gardaí

A 27-year old carpenter who threatened to 'take on' gardaí during a night out in Roscrea was fined €350 after he pleaded guilty to a number of charges arising from the incident.

Liam Doran, who has an address at Kennedy Park, Roscrea, appeared before Nenagh District court in relation to the incident which happened at around 2am on August 17, 2025.

He pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in a public place and to engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour under the Public Order Act.

Judge Marie Keane was told gardai arrived at a late bar on Castle Street, Roscrea where it was alleged that two males were creating a disturbance during a night out.

Mr Doran informed gardai he had a fight with another male before getting aggressive with gardai telling them "that the last time he met gardai he took them on".

Sergeant Regina McCarthy said there was a strong smell of alcohol on the defendant's breath and that his speech was slurred during his encounter with gardai.

He was subsequently arrested and brought to Nenagh garda station when he was charged.

Solicitor John Spencer said his client's behaviour was out of character and that he "would like to apologise for his behaviour on the night," adding: "He was mixing his drinks and drinking a lot but it's no excuse and he's very remorseful." 

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The defendant, who lives at home with his parents, was told by Judge Keane that "telling the guards you're taking them on is not very appropriate, you're skating on thin ice". 

The judge also pointed out to Mr Doran that alcohol appears to be the cause of his behaviour and that he needs to find a solution. "You are getting very aggressive every time you have alcohol so you need to address that, I don't want to see you in this court again."