*Supporters on the field following Sunday’s Clare SFC final. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
A 49 year old Ennistymon GAA supporter who allegedly released a flare at the Clare SFC final on Sunday told a Garda “I would do it again”, a court has heard.
David Wheeler of Main Street, Ennistymon was one of thousands of fans to attend the final between Ennistymon and Éire Óg at Cusack Park in Ennis on Sunday when the Ennis club came out on top to win their second successive senior county football final.
However, Mr Wheeler was arrested at the match and subsequently charged with an offence under legislation dated back 147 years dealing with explosives.
In evidence of arrest, charge and caution at Killaloe District Court sitting in Ennis, Garda Elizabeth McDonagh told the court that last Sunday at 3.15pm she arrested Mr Wheeler at Cusack Park under Section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875.
Sgt Louis Moloney told the court that Mr Wheeler’s alleged offence concerned releasing a flare.
Garda McDonagh said that Mr Wheeler’s reply after arrest, charge and caution was “I’ll do it again”. Garda McDonagh said that it will be alleged that Mr Wheeler released a flare in a packed stand full of spectators.
Mr Wheeler is charged with releasing a flare or firework at Cusack Park contrary to Section 80 (1) (a) Explosives Act 1875 as substituted by Section 68 of the Criminal Justice Act
Judge Alec Gabbett asked was it like a boating flare and Garda McDonagh replied “like a boating flare”.
Judge Gabbett said they can be very dangerous due to phosphorus content and Garda McDonagh said that flares can reach temperatures of ‘sixteen hundred degrees”.
There was no appearance by Mr Wheeler and Judge Gabbett issued a bench warrant for Mr Wheeler to be brought by Gardaí before court.
