Ireland Case No. 11467Assault on a Garda · Co. Laois · 21 Aug 2023
Man jailed for headbutting female Garda at National Ploughing Championships
David Feeney was sentenced at Portlaoise District Court for headbutting a female Garda at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois, in August 2023. He admitted assault, intoxication and threatening or abusive behaviour, and he has lodged an appeal.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced16 Jan
2 reports
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports22 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe man headbutted a female Garda, causing her harm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whereThe incident happened at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Laois. (leinsterexpress.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
- whenThe incident happened on August 21, 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
- causeHis solicitor said he had an argument with his partner and was drunk when the incident occurred. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- causeDefence solicitor Philip Meagher said Feeney was in a very agitated and drunk state when the incident occurred. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeFeeney admitted headbutting a female Garda, causing her harm. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeFeeney also admitted being intoxicated and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour on the same date. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe accused lodged an appeal before the court sitting ended. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe sentencing took place at Portlaoise District Court before Judge Andrew Cody. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceThe judge sentenced him to two months in prison for threatening and abusive behaviour and an additional four months for assault. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceHe was fined €2,000 for the assault and €500 for threatening and abusive behaviour. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceFeeney was sentenced to two months in prison for threatening and abusive behaviour and an additional four months for assault. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceFeeney was fined €2,000 for the assault and €500 for threatening and abusive behaviour. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceRecognisance was fixed in case of appeal and Feeney lodged an appeal before the court sitting ended. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherThe man admitted being intoxicated and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe Garda suffered concussion, which caused a headache and disturbed her sleep. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe injured Garda indicated she was willing to accept the apology. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe defendant had 32 previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe man had gathered €2,100 in compensation, which he had in court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe man offered to pay €10,000 in total. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe judge said Feeney had 32 previous convictions. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherThe judge said the Garda had to be taken to hospital with concussion. (offalyexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 17 Jan2026Jail sentence for man who headbutted female Garda at Ploughing Championships
Court report on the sentencing of David Feeney for the 2023 incident. The article adds the sentences, fines, the admitted intoxication and the appeal. No earlier report of this case appears in the existing list.
convicted, David Feeney, 42, male, named, irish (judged from name)David Feeneyvictim, female - 16 Jan2026Jail sentence for headbutting female Garda at Ploughing Championships in Laois
Adds the defendant's home address and occupation, the sentence breakdown and fines, the 32 previous convictions, the €2,100 compensation and €10,000 offer, the Garda's concussion and willingness to accept the apology, and that the accused lodged an appeal.
convicted, David Feeney, 42, male, named, irish (judged from name)David Feeneyvictim, female