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Sledgehammer, Steel Bar, And A Hurley - Westmeath Neighbours In Court Over Street Brawl

Monday, 10 November 2025 15:28

Three neighbours in Athlone have been charged for violent disorders.

Three Westmeath neighbours are pleading not guilty to a range of charges emenating from a vicious street brawl inside a housing estate.

57 year old Adrian Payne, 52 year old James Keenan, and 25 year old Peter Keenan all of Alverno Drive Willow Park in Athlone have been charged with violent disorder and the production of weapons capable of inflicting serious injury following an incident in May of last year.

The weapons referred to are a sledgehammer, a steel bar, and a hurley.

While the two Keenans, who are father and son, are also charged with assault causing harm.

The Irish Independent is reporting that Gardaí say Mr Payne suffered injuries to his face and back which he said came as a result of an assault from his two neighbours.

Athlone District Court heard how the State will argue the row started after Mr Payne asked two young boys to move on from an area just outside his house.

CCTV footage shows one of the boys returning home, with the 57 year old doing likewise.

Shortly afterwards he re-emerges from his house with a hurley.

The footage then shows a number of men setting upon Mr Payne who subsequently required treatment from ambulance personnel.

Judge Bernadette Owens accepted juristiction for the case which will reappear before the court on the 17th of December.

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