Farmer, 71, fined after being found ‘out cold’ on street from drink

A 71-year-old bachelor farmer was “out cold” on Main St in Cahersiveen at 4pm on St Patrick’s Day because he had taken so much drink, the district court was told.

James Brennan, who locals regard highly, particularly for his turf-cutting skills, from Killoe, Cahersiveen, would occasionally “break out” on drink and have to be brought home by gardaí, the court heard.

On this occasion, a week after his 71st birthday, he had to be lifted off the street and gardaí had to “break in” to his house to get him inside.

On St Patrick’s Day last, around 4pm, gardaí got a call that “a man was laid out on the footpath of Main St”, Garda Karl Griffin outlined at Cahersiveen District Court.

“He was intoxicated and unable to stand. He had to be lifted up and placed in the back of the patrol car.”

Gardaí brought him to the station and after a while, were able to bring him back to his house at Killoe.

Mr Brennan, however, had no key to get in, so the gardaí had to break in to get him back into his own house.

“We had to break into the house because he had no key,” said Garda Griffin.

Mr Brennan had seven previous convictions.

Judge James O’Connor said: “71 years of age and out cold on the street! What day of the week was it? When was Pension Day?”

St Patrick’s Day 2016 fell on a Thursday, the judge was told.

Solicitor Gerry O’Connor said all the previous convictions were minor public order matters.

“And if the court was only dealing with the likes of James Brennan, it would be a very quiet court,” said Mr O’Connor.

Judge O’Connor then inquired why Mr Brennan was not in court to face the charge.

“Killoe is the other side of the mountain... he would have to walk here, It could be up to nine miles,” the solicitor replied.

However, Judge O’Connor said the other side of the mountain behind Cahersiveen was “not that far away”.

At this point, Garda Griffin intervened to say, “He breaks out the odd time. Sometimes he has to be picked up and brought home. He was just too bad to be brought home this time.”

Judge James O’Connor convicted Mr Brennan of being so intoxicated he was a danger to himself and imposed a fine of €100. However, the judge said he would give him 10 months to pay.