Dublin GAA fan arrested while celebrating O'Byrne Cup win in Laois

A Dublin fan who “hadn’t eaten all day” and was celebrating a win in Laois was arrested for public order offences in Portlaoise. 

Robert McMahon (42) of 24 Kinvara Park, Navan Road, Dublin 7, admitted being intoxicated and abusive at Market Square, Portlaoise on January 4, 2026. 

Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said the defendant was “very unsteady on his feet” and "aggressive towards Gardaí” at Top Square, Portlaoise on January 4. He said the man had “complied fully” when arrested and “on release I believe he apologised to the arresting Gardaí”. He said the man had one old previous conviction that related to a road traffic offence.  

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client worked as an alarm and CCTV camera installer. 

“Dublin had been playing a match here. They had won. He hadn’t eaten all day,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

She said the man had left his jacket in a public house and had become upset when he was not allowed back in. 

“It is really out of character for him,” said Ms Fitzpatrick, who told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that her client was “generally not a drinker” and he is apologetic. 

“I am afraid he paid a dear price when he left his jacket behind,” she said. 

Judge Susan Fay applied the probation act after the defendant paid €150 to the court poor box.