Judge dismisses charges against golfgate four

Judge Mary Fahy dismissed charges this evening (Thursday) against four men accused of organising an Oireachtas Society Golf dinner in a Clifden hotel two years ago.

Independent TD Noel Grealish (55), former Fianna Fail senator Donie Cassidy (76), John Sweeney (61), owner of the Station House Hotel in Clifden, and his son James (32), the general manager of the hotel all faced charges in relation to an Oireachtas Golf Society event in August 2020.

Speaking at the end of a three-day trial at Galway District Court, Judge Mary Fahy said there had been a huge body of evidence presented to the court, which showed that while there had been one golf outing, there had been two distinct areas in the hotel which catered for two groups.

“The regulations provided for 50, but in two distinct areas. We have to admit the evidence was most impressive, from Judge Woulfe and Mr Buttimer in particular – he was most impressive.

“They were all responsible people who would not have gone to a dinner unless they felt comfortable and unless the organisers had not put in place all that was required to make it safe.

“I’m satisfied the organisers did everything to comply – not in a court of public opinion – but in the court of law, in my opinion.

“Unfortunately, very good people lost very good jobs and very good contracts and, just to clarify, I didn’t make my decision based on that.

“I’m dismissing the charges against all four defendants,” Judge Fahy said.