Canon sorry for foul abuse

A Church leader in Co Clare has apologised for his foul-mouthed outburst towards a garda when stopped for speeding earlier this year.

At Ennis District Court last Friday, Judge Patrick Durcan banned Church of Ireland Canon Bob Hanna from driving for six months after convicting him of a speeding offence.

Judge Durcan described Canon Hanna’s conduct as ‘despicable’ after hearing that Canon Hanna told Garda Lisa McDonagh that he “did not give a fuck” after being informed he was travelling at 135km/h in a 100km/h zone at Bunratty West on Apr 17 last.

Canon Hanna told Garda McDonagh that he was on his way to a Communion on the day.

Garda McDonagh said that Canon Hanna snapped his driver’s licence from her, got into his car, and started repeatedly revving his engine.

At this point, Garda McDonagh said that Canon Hanna said: “I’m leaving, chase me if you want.”

Judge Durcan told the court: “Now I know that this man is a minister of religion, I am even more appalled.”

The judge imposed a €500 fine on Canon Hanna and by way of ancillary order banned him from driving for six months.

Canon Hanna was not present for the court date and was not legally represented.

Last night, in a statement, the archbishop’s commissary of the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe, Archdeacon Wayne Carney, said: “I am aware of the court case which resulted in a speeding conviction against Canon Bob Hanna relating to an incident last April.”

He said: “I have spoken to Canon Hanna, and he deeply regrets using abusive language to the garda who stopped him, and wishes to apologise to her for his behaviour. “

He added: “He is also sorry to have missed being present when his case came before the court.

“As a diocese, we encourage full respect for the Garda Siochána and the laws they enforce and support them in the important role they carry out.”