‘Staggeringly high level of alcohol’ - Kilkenny man convicted of drink driving

A motorist who was observed by gardaí to ‘swerve over the white line’ has been convicted of drink driving at Kilkenny District Court.

Eamonn Walsh, Bonnetsrath, Kilkenny, pleaded guilty in court to charges of drink driving and being intoxicated in public, on separate occasions.

Sergeant Morgan O’Connor said that on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 7.55pm, gardaí on patrol observed a car being driven on the Castlecomer Road. It was swerving over the white line.

The car pulled into the car park of the Glendine Inn.

The driver of the car was Mr Walsh. He was arrested and taken to Kilkenny Garda Station where a breath test showed a level of 108mcg of alcohol per 100mls of breath.

Intoxicated
The other incident occurred on March 25, 2025. Gardaí on patrol at John’s Quay observed a highly intoxicated male, who was being refused entry to a premises.

Because of his level of intoxication he was arrested.

The court heard Mr Walsh had one previous conviction for drink driving.

Solicitor Chris Hogan asked the court to give his client credit for his guilty plea. Unfortunately, he added, Mr Walsh has a significant problem with alcohol.

Judge Geraldine Carthy said he did seem to have a problem, the breath/ alcohol reading was “a staggeringly high level.”

His client has sought treatment and is not drinking, Mr Hogan said. He is remorseful and has not been driving.

Convicting the defendant of drink driving, the judge imposed a driving disqualification of three years.
Mr Walsh was also fined €300. The other charge was taken into consideration.