Galway Courthouse row proves costly

A woman who was part of a verbal row between two families outside Galway Courthouse has been fined €750.

Published 24th Apr 2026, 06:00 BST Galway Courthouse A woman who was part of a verbal row between two families outside Galway Courthouse has been fined €750. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

Garda Michelle Hallinan told Galway District Court words were exchanged between two families during a Circuit Court sitting of on December 3, 2024.

The Judge and Gardaí told the parties to desist and leave the area, but the row continued outside the courthouse.

One of those involved in the incident, Sharon Danagher (43), with an address at 99 Fána Búrca, Knocknacarra , pleaded guilty to a public order offence contrary to Section 5 of the Public Order Act. She has 120 previous convictions.

Judge Fiona Lydon said the accused's behaviour was very concerning as she fined her €750, with ten months to pay, and fixed recognisances in the event of an appeal.

Sharon Danagher also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance at Circular Road, Rahoon on October 29, 2024.

READ MORE: Defendant found with drugs after Galway street row

The court heard Gardaí attended the scene of a two-vehicle collision involving a Volkswagen Golf driven by the accused. Garda Hallinan said Danagher has seven convictions for driving without insurance and five of those were recorded at one court sitting.

Mr McDonald asked the court to adjourn finalisation of the case for a period to see how his client gets on.

Judge Lydon said the court was recommending a community service order and adjourned the case to May 20 to allow the Probation Services time to assess the accused’s suitability for community service.

Related topics: Galway District Court Circuit Court Gardaí Knocknacarra Insurance Garda Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.