Brothers charged with violent attack outside Tralee school | RadioKerry.ie

Two brothers have been remanded in custody for allegedly attacking family members with hooks, golf clubs and hurleys outside a primary school in Tralee.

Thomas Mongans, aged 36, of 60 Cois Abhainn, Tralee, and John Mongans, aged 37, of 305 Parkland Apartments, Tralee, both appeared in court this afternoon.

In appealing against the bail of each of the men, the gardaí outlined allegations of a violent attack on three people which took place in front of children on Monday as classes at CBS Primary School ended for the day.

The court heard that children, including five-year-olds, were just metres away from the violence and witnessed the injuries sustained and bloodstains on the road, pavements and vehicles.

Both men are accused of violent disorder, assault and use of weapons during an argument in connection with Monday's incident.

The State opposed bail for all defendants due to the seriousness of the charges, the strength of the evidence, and concerns about the defendants' appearance in court.

Detective Sergeant John Gilmartin said one of the victims was the defendant's brother and there had long been animosity within the family, but this was by far the most violent incident.

Gardaí allege that on Monday afternoon at around 2.25pm, up to five men, including the two accused, got out of a suspicious car outside the school and began violently attacking three members of their family who were waiting to collect their child from school.

According to Gardaí, these attacks were carried out with weapons such as hurleys, golf clubs and hooks.

The court heard that this incident occurred in front of the children as they were leaving school and that it also occurred in front of the children inside the school building.

The court heard that the children also saw blood on the road, pavement and one of the vehicles involved, while people were seen fleeing the area in fear for their lives.

Sergeant Gilmartin said the Gardaí had compelling evidence, including detailed statements from the injured, at least one of whom had to undergo cosmetic surgery, as well as incriminating HD video footage and the seizure of weapons and two vehicles.

Sergeant Gilmartin said the fact that this happened in close proximity and in front of children was inexcusable and could not be tolerated.

The two men's lawyers, Pádraig O'Connell and Pat Mann, asked the State whether they could agree to release them on bail under the strict conditions set by the court.

Judge David Waters declined jurisdiction in the case and refused bail for both defendants. Both were remanded in custody until September 25.