Man fined €150 and warned to ‘abstain from alcohol to have any chance in life’

A man was fined €150 at Donegal District Court after being convicted of a public order offence and told that “he must abstain from alcohol to have any chance in life.”

Eamon O’Brien, 66, of no fixed abode but previously of Johnstown, Glebe, Rathdowney, Laois, was arrested and charged, that on October 3, 2025 at Ballyshannon Bus Station Townparks, Ballyshannon, did use or engage in threatening, abusive or insulting words as behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned, contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, as amended by Section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2008

At Donegal District Court, at Ballyshannon Courthouse, Judge Éiteáin Cunningham fined O’Brien €150, payable in six months.

Judge Cunningham took into consideration five offences of intoxication in a public place, contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, as amended by Section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2008.

These offences took place between April 2025 and September 2025 in separate locations, four in Donegal Town and one offence in Rossnowlagh. 

The defendant’s solicitor, Rory O’Brien, said: “His behaviour, whilst unacceptable and concerning, points to a man who suffers from an addiction problem. 

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“He has now just turned 66, and unfortunately, the last two years have been bereft with difficulty, not only with addiction but a lack of structure and home life. He is very nomadic. This is not a pattern over the last 20 years, even 10 or five years, and it is very sad. 

“From what I understand from Mr O’Brien, he is doing very well. Even from his personal look, he is doing very well. He doesn’t drink anymore and has no intention to go down the road he has been on in the last two years. 

“He is looking for more stable accommodation. He is keen to resolve, and he is assisting and being cooperative with Gardaí. All the matters have been effectively endangering himself, and he wants to apologise for that. 

“Like everyone who has the commitment and ability, he has turned the corner.”

After the verdict was given, Mr Rory O’Brien commented: “He is doing well, and we hope he continues to do well.”

Judge Cunningham said: “He is certainly presenting to the court in a better place, but I am conscious it is a lifelong battle with alcohol because it clearly doesn’t suit you. 

“The accumulative effect of that is concerning from the court's perspective. There are only so many times the court can give him leeway. 

“Alcohol is not his friend, and he must abstain from alcohol to have any chance in life.”