Sunday 1 November 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 21865Obstruction of a garda · Co. Kildare · 24 Sep 2021

International boxer sentenced to 30 days for obstructing garda on bus near Kilcock

John McDonagh, 26, an international boxer from Poppintree, Ballymun, was sentenced to 30 days in prison at Naas District Court for obstructing a garda on 24 September 2021 after becoming intoxicated and abusive to passengers on a bus travelling from Dublin to Galway near Kilcock. Pepper spray was used to remove him from the bus and he was arrested at 3pm.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced17 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
16 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatJohn McDonagh, 26, of 16 Carton Road, Poppintree, Ballymun, was prosecuted for obstructing a garda. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatGardaí received a public order call from the bus driver as the vehicle travelled from Dublin to Galway. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe defendant was intoxicated and abusive to other passengers. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe defendant was highly intoxicated, highly agitated, and travelling to a birthday party. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe defendant refused to provide personal details. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatSgt Mary Meade said the defendant became increasingly abusive and aggressive and more gardaí were required. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatA number of gardaí were needed to get him off the bus and pepper spray was used. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe defendant has a dozen previous convictions, including four for public order matters. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe defendant was struggling with alcohol abuse. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe defendant was going through a difficult break-up at the time and has three children. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe defendant had represented Ireland in boxing competitions on a few occasions. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe defendant attributed his behaviour to an addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs, which he began taking because of depression. (kildarenow.com)
  • whenThe incident occurred on 24 September 2021 at the M4 Kilcock. (kildarenow.com)
  • whenThe defendant was arrested at 3pm. (kildarenow.com)
  • whenThe defendant entered prison on 15 November 2022. (kildarenow.com)
  • courtThe defendant appeared by videolink and showed a certificate he had attained in custody. (kildarenow.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 17 Mar2023
    Sentencedkildarenow.com, first report
    COURT: International boxer pepper sprayed by gardaí in Kildare bus incident

    Reports the sentencing of John McDonagh, 26, to a 30-day term at Naas District Court for obstructing a garda on a bus near Kilcock in September 2021. He appeared by videolink from prison, where he had entered on 15 November 2022, and apologised for his behaviour, attributing it to alcohol and prescription drug addiction.

    suspect, John McDonagh, 26, male, named, irish (judged from name)John McDonagh