A District Court judge has branded Clare ‘slash-hook country’ while presiding over a case involving two brothers from the North of the County.
Judge Patrick Durcan’s remarks came during the trial of Gus Howley, of Ballyteigue, Lisdoonvarna who pleaded guilty to threatening to his brother Michael Howley at Larakea, Kilfenora last November.
Ennis District Court heard that on November 8th last, Gus Howley was in an aggravated state over missing life savings of €20,000 which he had loaned to a son of his brother Michael -now living in the US.
The 56 year old went to his brother’s home, telling him to come out of the house and that he would kill him.
The court was told Gus Howley had broken all windows in Michael’s car, causing 1,500 euro worth of damage.
Upon hearing Inspector Tom Kennedy state that Mr. Howley had brought a slash-hook with him, Judge Patrick Durcan remarked that ‘slash hooks are a popular weapon’ in Clare- and that it seemed to him " Clare is slash-hook country.’
Inspector Kennedy said farmers in north Clare would use slash-hooks for their work and in response, Judge Durcan – a native of Mayo – said where he comes from "it is very difficult to find a shop that sells a slash-hook.”
The court heard Gus Howley intends to repay his brother for damage to his car, and that the brothers are to meet in an effort to make peace.
The case has been adjourned until next month pending the outcome of those talks.
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