A Clare man alleged to have been a “central figure” in a violent feud has admitted throwing a petrol bomb and discharging a firearm at a family home in Ennis.
Amid a heavy garda presence at Ennis circuit court this week, Martin Mongans (34), a married father of eight with an address at College Grove, Ennis, pleaded guilty to a charge of endangerment contrary to section 13 of the Non Fatal Offences Against The Person Act.
The charge against Mongans relates to an attack on a house at 25 Pearse Avenue, Cloughleigh, Ennis on November 22, 2021.
The charge states Mongans intentionally or recklessly engaged in conduct – throwing a petrol bomb and the reckless discharge of a firearm – that created a substantial risk of death or serious harm.
At a bail hearing at Ennis circuit court in July, detective sergeant, John Casey said husband and wife, John and Kelly O’Loughlin and seven children were in the house at the time
Sergeant Casey said the charges against Martin Mongans “arose from a feud which is very much ongoing and active in Ennis”.
Sergeant Casey previously told the court that Mongans was a “central figure” in the feud
In June, the district court revoked bail for Mongans after he was found to be breach of his bail conditions. He was also refused bail in the High Court,
The circuit court re-admitted Mongans to bail in July after a family member lodged €10,000 in court.
In court this week, Mongans’ co-accused, Sue Ellen Keenan (32), with an address at Ardarra, Portroe, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, pleaded guilty to aiding or abetting Martin Mongans in the commission of the endangerment offence.
A third person, Martin Gilheaney Mongans (36), with an address at Ballymoneen, Cappahard, Ennis, pleaded guilty to unauthorised possession of a firearm at Ballymoneen, Cappahard on December 3, 2021.
Prosecuting counsel, Lorcan Connolly BL, told the court the pleas were acceptable to the director of public prosecutions (DPP).
As part of his bail conditions, Martin Mongans had been ordered to stay out of areas of Ennis and had been living in the Kilmihil area.
Barrister Brian McInerney SC said he was seeking an amendment to his client’s bail conditions to allow him return to his family home in Ennis, and an extension of curfew from 8pm to 9pm.
Martin Mongans must also not have any contact with Martin Gilheaney Mongans.
The court heard the State consented to the amendments.
Judge Francis Comerford remanded Martin Mongans and Sue Ellen Keenan on continuing bail and adjourned the case to February 14, 2023 for sentencing.