Judge compliments Cork garda for bringing drunk woman to safety after she swam in River Lee

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a €200 fine on the woman

The court heard that the incident occurred at 8.30pm on August 26 at Georges Quay, Cork. Picture: Chani Anderson

Concerns were raised about a 29-year-old woman who was drunk and swimming in the River Lee at 8.30pm in the evening near George’s Quay in Cork City and gardaí ensured it ended safely, a court has heard.

Gardaí in Cork City responded to the alert on that evening last August. Garda Ronan O'Sullivan testified that the incident occurred at 8.30pm on August 26 at Georges Quay, Cork.

Gardaí responded to a welfare check for a female who was swimming in the river. A woman walking along the quay at the time had alerted gardaí.

On arrival, Garda O'Sullivan met Dari MacGabhann, aged 29, of the Simon Community. Ms MacGabhann was drinking a large bottle of red wine and unsteady and slurring her words. 

She was sitting on a railing beside the river. She came down from the railing. Ms MacGabhann wanted to go back swimming.

“She was intoxicated to such an extent that she was a danger to herself,” the garda said. The defendant was arrested and charged with being intoxicated to such an extent that she was a danger to herself or others.

After the evidence was given, Judge Mary Dorgan double-checked: “She was actually swimming in the river.” Garda O’Sullivan confirmed that this was the case.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a €200 fine on the 29-year-old. The judge complimented Garda O’Sullivan for his work in getting the young woman down from the railing beside the quay where he encountered her.