Affray with pitchfork in Cappoquin, Waterford - News - Waterford News & Star

Judge O

Caroline Spencer A Waterford woman has been given a chance to avoid prison after pleading guilty to taking part in a violent affray in Cappoquin.

Shannon Power (31), of Cluain Na Greine, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to committing violent disorder and aggravated burglary.

On August 12, 2024, Shannon broke into a house in Cappoquin with her partner James Whelan. Whilst in the house, Whelan stabbed a dog with a pitchfork. The pair had entered the house as part of a dispute with Shannon's mother Marie and her partner Peter Allen.

(Whelan, Allen and Marie Power were sentenced in March this year.)

Gardaí discovered the parties fighting at River Glen Estate. Pepper spray had to be deployed as the parties failed to heed Gardaí's instructions.

Shannon was found to be in possession of the pitchfork. Footage from the incident shows the defendant having a physical affray with her mother.

At Waterford Circuit Court last week, Shannon appeared before Judge Eugene O'Kelly for her sentencing.

The Court heard that the defendant had 26 previous convictions, including charges for assault, theft and public order offences.

Defence counsel Gareth Hayden BL informed Judge O'Kelly that his client had gone through a difficult upbringing having been "effectively abandoned" as a child.

The court heard that Shannon had welcomed a child in early 2026 and had entered into a residential treatment program.