High Court to hear bail application from Smithfield brawl accused

The High Court is due to hear a bail application for a man accused of taking part in a violent brawl at the Smithfield horse fair in Dublin over three years ago.

Simon Quilligan, of no fixed abode, has been sent forward for trial after being brought back from the UK last month.

Huge crowds fled the world renowned Smithfield horse fair when gunfire caused horses to rear up and bolt on March 6, 2011.

As bystanders ran for cover, groups from various traveller families attacked each other with sticks, tyre irons and other weapons.

Three men were hospitalised during the violent clashes which resulted in the introduction of new laws to regulate the event.

Mr Quilligan was extradited from the UK last month and is due to stand trial, accused of almost severing one man's arm with a slash hook and causing serious head injuries to another.

The 31-year-old father of two was previously refused bail but his lawyers have applied to the High Court to overturn that decision and his appeal is due to be heard today.