Ireland Man (52) sentenced for violent disorder at Tuam cemetery funeral, Galway
On 22 September 2021, members of the McDonagh and Ward families fought at a burial in Tuam cemetery, Co Galway, and up to 30 gardaí attended. John "Smurf" McDonagh snr, a 52-year-old man from Tuam, was tried at Galway Circuit Court, where a jury in June 2024 found him guilty of violent disorder and not guilty of assault causing harm and production of an article. On 21 June 2024 he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison with the final two and a half years suspended, subject to conditions; some reports describe the sentence as two years.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced21 Jun
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A 52-year-old man was sentenced for his role in violence at a burial in Galway.
- Where
- The disturbance took place at Tuam cemetery, Co Galway.
- When
- The disturbance took place on 22 September 2021.
- Cause
- Members of the McDonagh and Ward families, described as feuding families, clashed during the funerals.
- Weapon
- Weapons such as knives and baseball bats were produced on the day.
- The garda agreed that none of the weapons produced on the day were produced by the accused.
- Investigation
- Up to 30 gardaí from Tuam, Galway city, the Regional Support Unit and the Traffic Corps attended the scene.
- Other details
- Seven people were hospitalised with injuries, and one was airlifted to University Hospital Galway.
- Charges
- After a five-day trial, a jury found John "Smurf" McDonagh snr guilty of violent disorder.
- The jury found him not guilty of assault causing harm and production of an article.
- In court
- The sentencing hearing took place at Galway Circuit Court, where Judge Brian O'Callaghan presided.
- Sentence
- He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison with the final two and a half years suspended, subject to conditions.
- Some reports describe the sentence as two years in prison.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatA 52-year-old man was jailed for his role in violence at a burial in Galway. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe disturbance happened at Tuam cemetery. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe disturbance happened on 22 September 2021. (irishtimes.com)
- causeTwo feuding families clashed during the funerals. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponWeapons such as knives and baseball bats were produced. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationUp to 30 gardaí from several units attended the scene. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeA jury found him guilty of violent disorder. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeA jury found him not guilty of assault causing harm and production of an article. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe sentencing hearing took place at Galway Circuit Court. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceHe was given a four and a half year prison sentence with the final two and a half years suspended, subject to conditions. (irishtimes.com)
- otherSeven people were hospitalised with injuries, one airlifted to University Hospital Galway. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe garda agreed that none of the weapons produced on the day were produced by the accused. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 21 Jun2024Man (52) jailed for two years for role in ‘eruption of violence’ at Galway funeral
Sentencing of John “Smurf” McDonagh snr, found guilty of violent disorder by a jury and acquitted of assault causing harm and production of an article. Details of the 2021 incident and the sentence are given. No existing case matches.
convicted, John “Smurf” McDonagh snr, 52, male, named, irish (judged from name)John “Smurf” McDonagh snr