Galway Advertiser 2007/2007_07_19/GA_1907_E1_012.pdf 

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12 N E W S

www.galwayadvertiser.ie

July 19 2007

Prison sentences suspended despite Garda `concerns' about Mervue man
A Mervue man found in possession of heroin on the same date he stole a car and assaulted a garda received prison sentences totalling two years and seven months which were suspended at Galway Circuit Criminal Court this week. Alan Murphy, a native of St James' Crescent, Mervue, Galway, with an address at present in Creggmore, Claregalway, pleaded guilty before Judge Harvey Kenny in January 2005 to having the drugs at Sean Bhaile, Doughiska, on July 13 2004. He also admitted taking a car from Doughiska and driving it dangerously at St Nicholas Park, Ballybrit, on the same date and to assaulting Garda Michael Guerin at Sean Bhaile in relation to the same incident. The charges had been adjourned on several occasions as Judge Kenny and later, Judge Raymond Groarke, decided to let them hang over Murphy as he undertook at the time to rehabilitate himself. Court hearings in the intervening years had heard evidence of Murphy taking part in drug and alcohol treatment courses and positive reports had been handed into those courts. However in court this week Det Garda John Moloney informed Judge Groarke that he had concerns about Murphy's behaviour in more recent times. Det Moloney said the accused had come to the attention of the gardai on a number of occasions and there were concerns that he was still connected with people involved in the drugs trade in Galway. "Intelligence would suggest he [Murphy] is in the company of persons who are involved in the drugs business and we have concerns about that," Det Moloney told the judge. He intimated that Murphy's house in Creggmore was the subject of a drugs search on March 15 last and while no drugs were found, Garda "concerns" remain. Prosecuting barrister Conor Fahy said that an up to date probation report handed into court suggested Murphy be placed under the supervision of the Probation Service and submit to random urine analysis tests. Det Moloney agreed that anything which would stop the accused from taking drugs would be beneficial, but he reiterated his concern that the charges had been before the court since 2004. Judge Groarke decided to finalise the matter this week. He sentenced Murphy to two years in prison for the theft of the car and one year in prison for the dangerous driving charge. He imposed a four-month sentence for the assault on Garda Guerin and a further three-month term for the possession of drugs. The judge directed all of the sentence run concurrently and he suspended them for three years on condition Murphy keep the peace and be of good behaviour during that period and be placed under the supervision of the Probation Service and submit to random urine analysis tests. Meanwhile, sentences totalling 16 months which were imposed on Murphy by Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court in March of last year for a spate of motoring and pubic order offences, were also affirmed on appeal by Judge Groarke and then suspended on the same terms as the other sentence.

Rooneys go the distance at Ballybrit
One of the longest-running sponsorships in Irish horse racing is under starter's orders again for this year's summer festival at world-famous Ballybrit. Rooney Life and Pensions, Eyre Square, is weighing in for the 30th year in a row, with its sponsorship of the Jockey's Championship. The championship is awarded to the riders with the most winners under rules of racing and national hunt rules. "The Rooney Life & Pensions colours have been emblazoned on this competition since 1977," says managing director Niall Rooney. "It was a first for racing in Ireland. We've sponsored it every year since," he adds. The prizes for the winner or winners of the most flat races and the most hurdle races are a cheque for 2,000 and a Galway Crystal trophy. "The going is often soft at Ballybrit because of the weather," says Rooney, "but in the Jockeys' Championship, it's always good to firm. The riders fight hard for it every year. Like Frederico Tesio's thoroughbreds, they persevere with their hearts and win with their character."
Pictured at the Galway Clinic's third birthday celebrations at the Clayton Hotel were Evelyn Smyth, Helen Calvey and Sinead Flynn Photograph by Aengus McMaho

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