Local judge says there is more trouble at Ploughing than the Electric Picnic

A district court judge said the National Ploughing Championship generates more assaults and trouble than the Electric Picnic. 

Judge Andrew Cody made the comment while assessing a bar licence for one of the bars at the event in Ratheniska. 

“More assaults and trouble come from the Ploughing match than the Electric Picnic,” Judge Cody said as he inspected an occasional licence application by The Wrens Nest. 

Judge Cody asked Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby if he was right to suggest there was more assaults and trouble from the National Ploughing Championships. 

“The statistics would back that up,” agreed Sgt Kirby. 

Judge Cody said there was a duty on bar owners not to supply attendees with drink to the extent that it gets out of control. 

A representative of The Wrens Nest provided insurance details, an event plan, a detailed map of the bar area and said they were willing to adhere to any conditions.

Sgt Kirby said gardaí had a list of eight stipulations for occasional licences at the event which included serving times, the age of staff being employed and for the licensee to be on site for the duration of the event. 

Judge Cody added that “alcohol is to be served in non splintering plastic or paper only.” 

Subject to the conditions, Judge Cody granted occasional licences to The Wrens Nest, Shangarry Taverns and Kenneth Ewing at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.