A pub owner, Martin Coyle, was found serving customers at 4:30 am amidst blaring music in his bar. He lashed out at Gardai with expletives during his court appearance in Letterkenny District Court, Co. Donegal
Garda Suzanne Gordon revealed that Gardai received an anonymous tip-off regarding after-hours drinking at the Village Inn in Kerrykeel on September 12th, 2022, at 4:14 am. She and a colleague arrived at the premises by 4:30 am.
Despite the closed front door, they entered through an open back door and found five males in the bar area with freshly-poured pints and music playing. Coyle, the bar owner, confronted Garda Gordon aggressively, accusing them of targeting him.
When asked for patrons’ names, Coyle was uncooperative. His son was also present, and Garda Gordon instructed him to close the bar, turn off the music, and lock the doors.
Charged with selling intoxicating liquor after hours, Coyle did not testify. His solicitor, Maureen Gallagher, argued that the front door was locked, and access was not easy, but Garda Gordon disagreed. Gallagher also claimed Coyle apologized to Garda Gordon, but the latter didn’t recall.
Gallagher portrayed the Village Inn as a seasonal business, mainly active from March to October, and emphasized Coyle’s intention to pass it on to his children. She attributed the incident to a lost track of time during a birthday party.
Judge Eiteain Cunningham inquired about previous convictions, which Garda Inspector Paul McGee provided, illustrating a history of similar offenses dating back to 2016.
Gallagher pleaded for leniency, urging Judge Cunningham not to endorse the pub’s license at this stage, citing Coyle’s intention to transfer it to his children, who she claimed have a different approach.
The sentencing was adjourned to July 18th.
