Thursday 29 October 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. 7950Violent disorder · Co. Galway · 8 Sep 2023

Man, 23, sentenced for violent disorder in Galway

On 8 and 10 September 2023 in Galway, violent disorder linked to feuds between several families took place on Shop Street, Williamsgate Street and at Galway Shopping Centre. PJ Ward junior, a 23-year-old man, was charged with violent disorder at a special district court sitting and released on bail. He pleaded guilty to two charges of violent disorder on separate dates. On 24 September 2026 he was sentenced at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to a total of 26 months, with the sentences to run consecutively and be backdated to 27 January 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced24 Sep
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
PJ Ward junior, a 23-year-old man, was sentenced for violent disorder in Galway.
When
The offences took place on 8 and 10 September 2023.
Where
  • On 8 September 2023 he was walking on Shop Street when he saw his father having words with another man.
  • On 10 September 2023 further disturbances occurred at Galway Shopping Centre car park.
Other details
  • A bare-knuckle fight broke out on Williamsgate Street involving a number of people.
  • Sentencing of other defendants from the same incidents was adjourned and is not covered.
Cause
  • The charges related to his involvement in feud-related activities involving several families in the city.
  • A WhatsApp group alerted those involved to the unfolding events.
Investigation
Gardaí used pepper spray to restore order.
Charges
  • He was charged with violent disorder at a special district court sitting and released on bail.
  • He pleaded guilty to two charges of violent disorder in Galway on separate dates, with two signed pleas accepting involvement in two violent incidents.
In court
  • He was sentenced at Galway Circuit Criminal Court on 24 September 2026.
  • Judge Eoin Garavan described the actions as showing a criminal mindset and said the offending showed Galway in a very poor light.
Sentence
  • He received six months for the first offence and 20 months for the second offence at Galway Shopping Centre.
  • The total sentence is 26 months, with the sentences to run consecutively and be backdated to 27 January 2026.
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereOn the first date he was walking on Shop Street when he saw his father having words with another man. (rte.ie)
  • whereOn 10 September 2023 further disturbances occurred at Galway Shopping Centre car park. (rte.ie)
  • whenThe offences took place on 8 and 10 September 2023. (rte.ie)
  • causeThe charges related to his involvement in feud-related activities involving several families in the city. (rte.ie)
  • causeA WhatsApp group alerted those involved to the unfolding events. (rte.ie)
  • investigationGardaí used pepper spray to restore order. (rte.ie)
  • chargeHe pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Galway on separate dates. (rte.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with violent disorder at a special district court sitting and released on bail. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe man was sentenced at Galway Circuit Criminal Court. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe defendant entered two signed pleas, accepting involvement in two violent incidents. (rte.ie)
  • courtJudge Eoin Garavan described the actions as a criminal mindset and said the offending showed Galway in a very poor light. (rte.ie)
  • sentenceHe received a six-month sentence for the first offence. (rte.ie)
  • sentenceHe received a 20-month sentence for the second offence at Galway Shopping Centre. (rte.ie)
  • sentenceThe total sentence is 26 months, with the sentences to run consecutively and be backdated to 27 January 2026. (rte.ie)
  • otherA bare-knuckle fight broke out on Williamsgate Street involving a number of people. (rte.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 24 Sep2026
    Sentencedrte.ie, first report
    Man, 23, jailed for violent disorder in Galway

    Reports the sentencing of PJ Ward junior for two feud-related violent disorder offences on 8 and 10 September 2023 at Galway Shopping Centre and Shop Street/Williamsgate Street. Sentencing of other defendants from the same incidents was adjourned and is not covered.

    convicted, PJ Ward junior, 23, male, named, irish (judged from name)PJ Ward junior