Date Set For Infamous 'Golfgate' Trial

Thursday, 28 October 2021 at 17:12

Westmeath's Donie Cassidy has been served with summonses in relation to an alleged breach of Covid-19 laws.

A date for the trial arising out of what has been dubbed "golfgate" has been set for early next year.

Independent TD Noel Grealish and former Fianna Fáil Senator, Westmeath's Donie Cassidy were served with summonses in relation to an alleged breach of Covid-19 laws.

They're both accused of breaking Covid-19 regulations in relation to a dinner that took place in the Clifden Station House Hotel during the summer of 2020.

At the time, the country was under Level 3 restrictions, which limited indoor gatherings to 50 people.

The dinner was organised by the Oireachtas Golf Society.

The owner of the hotel, John Sweeney, and his son, James, who is the General Manager, are also before the court for their alleged roles in hosting the event.

At Clifden District Court this morning, Judge Mary Fahy was told the trial is now expected to take a longer than first thought due to the number of witnesses.

She set January 6th and January 7th as dates for the opening days of the trial, which will be held in the courthouse in Galway city.