Small farmer with 'drink on board' in bar at Ploughing pays court €500

Tullamore District Court hears Fermanagh man committed public order offences when 'bumps' were given in tent where Whistlin' Donkeys performed

Published 30th Sep 2026, 19:30 BST 'Small farmer' came before Judge Andrew Cody at Tullamore District Court after incident at Ploughing | Tribune Pictures Tullamore District Court hears Fermanagh man committed public order offences when 'bumps' were given in tent where Whistlin' Donkeys performed THE 'bumps' were being given at a bar in a tent at the National Ploughing in Screggan and a Fermanagh man subsequently pleaded guilty to public drunkenness and threatening and abusive behaviour.

Tullamore District Court was told by defending solicitor Aisling Maloney that a “bit of craic” was being had on Wednesday, September 16 when her client Christopher McGrade was at the National Ploughing Championships.

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Mr McGrade (41), with an address at Drummackan Road, Coolcran, Tempo, Enniskillen, Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, pleaded guilty to the public order offences and offered the court £200 sterling.

The prosecution evidence was that the man was highly intoxicated and aggressive. It was not known which tent he was in.

PICTURES: Huge crowds enjoy final day of memorable Ploughing in Offaly Ms Maloney told the court: “As you can imagine drink was certainly on board on the day.”

The solicitor said Mr McGrade was with two friends and they were all in good spirits, giving the bumps to a man.

“A bit of craic was being had between the parties,” she said, and then an argument occurred.

Ms Maloney said Mr McGrade was a single man with no previous convictions and he had travelled down from Enniskillen for the court appearance.

She added that he would like the matter dealt with and was a very forthright and decent individual.

Mr McGrade said it was in a bar in a tent but he did not know the name of the bar.

Judge Cody responded: “Does he want to take his £200 and replace it with €500?”

Ms Maloney said the man was in very difficult financial circumstances.

The judge remarked: “He wasn't on the 16th when he could drink his head off, was he?”

'Incinerator' proposed for site near Offaly county town Ms Maloney said her client was a farmer and this was a few days' holiday. His father had passed away earlier this year and it was a small holding.

Judge Cody indicated he was not going to change his order. “If he wishes to avoid a conviction it'll be €500 for the court poor box.”

Ms Maloney asked if the matter was being adjourned for a contribution to the court box could her client be excused from attending court because he would have difficulty travelling down from Enniskillen.

Judge Cody said the £200 could be given back to the man and he should be in court on the next occasion, October 28, for the payment to the poor box.

When Ms Maloney made an application for legal aid on Mr McGrade's behalf, Judge Cody asked him: “Where were you staying when you came down to Tullamore on your holidays?”

She said the farm her client worked on was a small one and was still in his late father's name.

Judge Cody then asked the accused: “What sort of farming are you doing?”

Mr McGlade said he had 25 cows, plus calves, but said the herd was currently frozen.

The judge indicated that he would not grant legal aid and put the matter back to October 28 for the €500 payment.

“Stay away from the Whistlin' Donkeys,” he told the Fermanagh man.

The court was told later that Mr McGrade had returned with the required amount, prompting the judge to remark he hadn't thought things were that bad for the farmer.

Ms Maloney formally handed in the money and the charges were struck out.