Streaker ‘better off togging out for team’

A man who stripped off and streaked in front of 10,000 fans and the victorious Kilkenny hurling team has appeared in court.

Stephen Clifford of Emmet St, Kilkenny, ran onto the pitch wearing only his socks at homecoming celebrations at Nowlan Park on Monday.

At Kilkenny District Court, he entered a plea to engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at Nowlan Park . He was convicted and ordered to carry out 80 hours of community service in lieu of six weeks in prison. He was also fined €200 for being intoxicated in a public place.

Solicitor Michael Lanigan said his client had had “too much to drink” and that “a colleague dared him to run across the field”.

“He had too much to drink and was overcome by exuberance. He wants to apologise to everyone that was present and to the gardaí and the court,” said Mr Lanigan.

Judge Colin Daly said the defendant would “be better off to tog out and try for the Kilkenny team”.