Saturday 31 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. 20218Alleged straightener fight · Co. Kildare · 8 Feb 2021

Men sent forward for trial over alleged Curragh 'straightener' event

Gardaí alleged that a 'straightener' fight took place on a road in The Curragh, County Kildare, on February 8, 2021, and said it resulted from a family feud. The named suspects are Wesley Ward, 18, John Ward (Senior), 49, John Ward (Junior), 27, Michael Devereaux, 29, James Ward, 44, and Martin Ward, whose age is given as 21 in one report and 18 in another. The case was first before Judge Desmond Zaidan in April, and on Thursday, July 20, the accused were sent forward for trial at Naas District Court. Bail variations relaxed curfews for three defendants, and the trial is set for the Naas Circuit Criminal Court sittings starting 3 October.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court25 Jul
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Gardaí alleged a 'straightener' fight took place between groups of people.
Where
The alleged event took place on a road in The Curragh, County Kildare.
When
The alleged event took place on February 8, 2021.
Cause
  • Gardaí said the event was the result of a family feud.
  • Gardaí alleged the motive was accusations of bullying between the two youngest sons of both parties.
Weapon
The suspects were accused of using weapons such as swords and pick-axe handles.
Other details
  • Named suspects are Wesley Ward, 18, John Ward (Senior), 49, John Ward (Junior), 27, Michael Devereaux, 29, and James Ward, 44; one key fact gives John Ward (Junior) as 49.
  • Martin Ward is named as a suspect, with his age given as 21 in one report and 18 in another.
  • Bail variations were made for three defendants, resulting in relaxed curfews.
  • No serious injuries were recorded as a result of the alleged fight.
  • A solicitor told the court that there is now peace between the parties.
Investigation
Books of evidence were served on the defendants.
In court
  • The case was first before Judge Desmond Zaidan in April.
  • On Thursday, July 20, the accused were sent forward for trial at Naas District Court.
  • The trial is set for the next sittings of Naas Circuit Criminal Court, which commence on 3 October.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe alleged event took place on a road in The Curragh, County Kildare. (kildarenow.com)
  • whenThe alleged event took place on February 8, 2021. (kildarenow.com)
  • causeGardaí claimed the event was the result of a family feud. (kildarenow.com)
  • causeGardaí alleged the motive was accusations of bullying between the two youngest sons of both parties. (kildarenow.com)
  • weaponThe suspects were accused of using weapons such as swords and pick-axe handles. (kildarenow.com)
  • investigationBooks of evidence were served on the defendants. (kildarenow.com)
  • courtThe case was first before Judge Desmond Zaidan in April. (kildarenow.com)
  • courtThe accused were sent forward for trial at Naas District Court on Thursday, July 20. (kildarenow.com)
  • courtThe trial is set for the next sittings of Naas Circuit Criminal Court, which commence on 3 October. (kildarenow.com)
  • courtBail variations were made for three defendants, resulting in relaxed curfews. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherNo serious injuries were recorded as a result of the alleged fight. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherA solicitor told the court that there is now peace between the parties. (kildarenow.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 25 Jul2023
    In courtkildarenow.com, first report
    Kildare court: Update in alleged Curragh ‘straightener’ court case

    First report on this case: the accused were sent forward for trial to the Naas Circuit Criminal Court sittings starting 3 October, and bail variations relaxed curfews for three defendants.

    accused, Wesley Ward, 18, male, named, irish (judged from name)Wesley Wardaccused, John Ward (Senior), 49, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Ward (Senior)accused, John Ward (Junior), 27, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Ward (Junior)accused, Michael Devereaux, 29, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Devereauxaccused, James Ward, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Wardaccused, Martin Ward, 21, male, named, irish (judged from name)Martin Ward