A judge has told rival ferry operators in Doolin that "this nonsense must stop" after finding that one operator assaulted another over trying to poach a customer at the pier.
63-year-old Bill O’Brien of Lickeen, Kilfenora told the court how he approached two people at Doolin Pier on September 3rd 2013.
They were holding a Doolin to Aran Ferry brochure, and he offered them one for his own company as they sought a quote to bring a group to the Cliffs of Moher the following morning.
Mr. O'Brien claimed that Frank Hughes "came along", "stood on his toe" and hit him with a closed fist, breaking his nose.
In his evidence, 57-year-old Mr Hughes of Ardeamush, Lisdoonvarna admitted that there is no love lost between himself and Mr O’Brien.
However, he claimed that he was assaulted first by Mr O’Brien, and that he hit out by accident while jostling.
Judge Tim Lucey said he was satisfied it wasn't an accidental blow and while it was not a serious assault, he said it was made serious because of commercial jealousy and history between the parties.
He imposed the Probation act on Mr. Hughes and said he hoped "this is the end of it."
