Man Pleads Guilty to Firing Semi-Automatic Pistol Outside Collon Pub Following Alcohol-Fueled Altercation
Ardee News and Sport – Man Pleads Guilty to Firing Semi-Automatic Pistol Outside Collon Pub Following Alcohol-Fueled Altercation
News Story:
A 35-year-old man from Collon has pleaded guilty to a firearms charge after discharging a semi-automatic pistol outside a pub in an alcohol-fueled incident. The accused, Pearse Daly, of Ardee Street, Collon, appeared at Dundalk Circuit Court and admitted to possessing a .22 calibre Ruger model semi-automatic pistol on February 3, 2024. The court heard that the incident followed an altercation outside the pub, where Daly felt “slighted” and decided to leave, retrieve the firearm from his residence, and return to the premises before discharging the weapon.
Senior Counsel Michael O’Higgins, representing Daly, emphasized that his client has no prior convictions and described the incident as arising from a background of heavy intoxication. Daly reportedly consumed a “large amount of alcohol” at the licensed premises before the altercation unfolded. On his way out, he had a brief “discussion” with others, felt insulted, and went home to obtain the firearm.
In addition to the charge to which he pleaded guilty, three other charges were brought forward but later dismissed. These included discharging a firearm with recklessness toward injury or damage, possessing the same firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, and possessing seven rounds of ammunition.
Following the plea, Judge Dara Hayes ordered a probation report to be prepared to assist with Daly’s sentencing. Mr. O’Higgins remarked that the probation report would provide further insight into Daly’s character and behavior, given his clean record up to this point. Daly has been remanded on continuing bail, with sentencing scheduled for January 28, 2025.