Men of two Kilkenny families face violent disorder trial

Members of two Kilkenny families have been sent forward for trial following two alleged violent incidents in the Callan area, earlier this year.

Two members of the Bergin family and four members of the O’Reilly family, all from the Skeogh area, will face a variety of charges.

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Ethan Bergin, 23 Skeogh, is charged with violent disorder at Bridge Street, Callan, on March 13 last. He is also charged with violent disorder at Skeogh on March 11, 2025.

Philip Bergin, 23 Skeogh, is charged with two counts of violent disorder and with being in possession of an article contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, at Bridge Street, Callan, on March 13. He is charged with producing an article in the course of a dispute at Skeogh on March 11.

James O’Reilly, 5 Skeogh, Callan, is charged with violent disorder and with producing an article in the course of a dispute at Bridge Street, on March 13.

Michael O’Reilly Snr, 5 Skeogh, Callan, is charged with violent disorder at Bridge Street on March 13. He is charged with violent disorder and the production of an article in the course of a dispute at Skeogh, on March 11. He is also charged with possession of explosives in suspicious circumstances at his home address on March 27, 2025.

Michael O’Reilly Jnr, 5 Skeogh, Callan, is charged with violent disorder and producing an article in the course of a dispute at Bridge Street on March 13, 2025.

Tony O’Reilly, 5 Skeogh, Callan, is charged with violent disorder and production of an article in the course of a dispute on March 13 at Bridge Street. He is also charged with the production of an article in the course of a dispute and violent disorder at Skeogh on March 11.

Books of evidence were presented to all defendants prior to a sitting of Kilkenny District Court, last week.

State solicitor, Gerry Meaney, said the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented to the men being sent forward for trial to the next sittings of Kilkenny Circuit Criminal Court, commencing November 18.

Judge Geraldine Carthy issued the usual alibi warning all defendants.

Solicitor Joe Farrell, for all four O’Reillys, was granted legal aid to cover one junior counsel for each man.
They were remanded on bail to November on conditions including that each of them sign on at a garda station one day a week, observe a curfew of 11pm to 7am, not commit any offences and have no contact with the Bergin family of Skeogh and Friary Walk in Callan.

Solicitor Chris Hogan, for both Bergins, was also granted legal aid for his clients. They were remanded on bail on conditions including that they each sign on at a garda station one day a week and have no contact with the O’Reilly family of Skeogh. A curfew was removed for work purposes.