Drunk Offaly man (77) with knife in pocket told garda 'I'm in the 'Ra'

Suspended sentence imposed at Tullamore District Court after judge hears accused was bleeding and unsteady on feet after fall in Edenderry

Published 16th Oct 2026, 08:00 BST Tribune Pictures Suspended sentence imposed at Tullamore District Court after judge hears accused was bleeding and unsteady on feet after fall in Edenderry AN elderly man said “Fuck you, bitch... I'm in the 'Ra” when gardai encountered him near the bank of the Grand Canal in Edenderry, Tullamore District Court was told.

Sergeant Richard Thornton told Judge Andrew Cody the words were stated by Brendan McDonnell, Rathgreedon Lane, Edenderry on June 26 last.

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Sergeant Thornton said at 8.50pm gardai observed a man highly intoxicated at the canal bank who was unsteady on his feet and appeared to be bleeding from a fall.

A knife with a six-centimetre blade was found in a search, added Sergeant Thornton, telling the court that Mr McDonnell had seven previous convictions including one for a public order offence and one for assault.

Aisling Maloney, defending solicitor, entered guilty pleas to charges of knife possession, public drunkenness and engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour at JKL Street, Edenderry.

Ms Maloney told Judge Cody he would be “familiar with Mr McDonnell”, saying he was a 77-year-old who was distressed on the day in question.

She said the knife was in her client's pocket and had not been exposed or produced at any stage.

The solicitor added that Mr McDonnell had been in AA for six weeks and was on medication.

“He's finally turned the corner and realises alcohol does cause him difficulty,” said Ms Maloney.

He had previously been in custody and did not want to go back in.

Judge Cody sentenced Mr McDonnell to two months in prison but suspended it for two years.

He noted the man was in possession of a knife and said: “This sort of behaviour is not acceptable, going around town using language like that.”