Man pushed Garda during street row

A man pushed a Garda and had to be restrained following a row with family members over his drinking.

Joseph Heffron, aged 56, of Farmhill, Kincon, Ballina, pleaded guilty at Ballina District Court to public order offences.

Gda Micheal Gorman told the court that at 9.10pm on October 19, 2025, he observed Heffron on the Lower Bridge, Ballina. He was intoxicated and highly aggressive towards two people who were with him. 

When Gda Gorman approached, Heffron pushed the officer and had to be restrained and handcuffed.

Solicitor Peter Loftus said his client was remonstrating with his sister and brother-in-law who were concerned about his drinking.

Heffron has four previous convictions.

Mr Loftus said the defendant operates a small farm and acknowledges he was “out of order". 

“I apologise to all the court. This is not like me,” said Heffron.

“When he gets intoxicated, he gets himself into a state,” commented Judge Sandra Murphy.

She said Heffron has a “longstanding issue which needs to be addressed". 

“His behaviour is completely unacceptable. We need to the get to the bottom of this,” the judge added.

Judge Murphy requested a probation report and adjourned the case to Ballina District Court on April 14 next.

• Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.