'Golfgate' trial told 'hysteria was whipped up' as no Covid guidelines were broken

The court heard that a number of witnesses are unable to attend due to 'ill health'

The Station House Hotel in Clifden, Co Galway, where the Oireachtas Golf Society event was held in August 2020. Picture: Hany Marzouk/PA

A number of witnesses due to give evidence for the prosecution in the Golfgate case have “bouts of ill health”, the opening day of the trial has been told.

Senior counsel Eddie Walsh, appearing for hotelier John Sweeney, told Galway district court that it is unclear whether these witnesses had a definitive PCR test or “simply appear unwell and don’t wish to be here”. A total of 51 potential witnesses are listed for the trial that is expected to last at least two days.