Athlone District CourtMen in court following New Year ‘fracas’Two men involved in an alleged “fracas” in the early hours of New Year’s Day have appeared before a sitting of Athlone District Court. The court heard how gardaí on beat at 2.50am on January 1, came across a fight breaking out on Church Street, Athlone. It is alleged that Mr Alkhalaf had produced a glass bottle in the course of a dispute. He was uncooperative with gardaí and had to be pepper sprayed, which caused him to flee, and to drop the bottle, the court heard. Both men were remanded on bail to reappear before the court on February 11, 2026.

Source: Irish Independent January 13, 2026 06:37 UTC