Gardaí investigating feud allege man was carrying slash-hook in Cork city centre

The man was arrested as part of an investigation into a serious feud between the McDonagh and Keenan families in Cork city where gunshots were discharged

An armed response team at the Cork District Court on Anglesea street last May when five people were charged. Photo: Eddie O'Hare

A man allegedly carrying a slash-hook when he got out of a car in Cork city in May was arrested as part of an investigation into a serious feud between the McDonagh and Keenan families in Cork city where gunshots were discharged.

Now at Cork District Court Sergeant Pat Lyons said the Director of Public Prosecutions had decided that the case against Jim McDonagh could be heard at district court level.

After hearing an outline of the alleged facts, Judge Olann Kelleher agreed to accept jurisdiction to deal with the case.

“Gardaí were investigating a very serious incident in Mahon. The defendant was allegedly seen on Oliver Plunkett Street and it was believed that he was party to the dispute.

“He was seen exiting a vehicle and was allegedly found in possession of a slash-hook,” Sgt Kelleher said.

Solicitor, Vicky Buckley, applied for an adjournment of the case for the accused to decide if he was pleading guilty or not guilty.

Judge Kelleher adjourned the case until October 27 for that purpose. The case will be further adjourned for hearing if he pleads not guilty.

23-year-old Jim McDonagh of Nash’s Boreen, Cork, is charged with possession of a weapon.

When the case first came before the court at the height of the investigation into the dispute in Mahon, Ms Buckley said the accused did not attempt to flee the scene and was not caught with any weapon.