John McGahon, a Senator from Fine Gael, informed the High Court that he merely acted in self-defence in a scenario where he is alleged to have physically attacked another man near a tavern. In a litigation case brought by Breen White, a farmer from Castleblayney, it is claimed that Senator McGahon, who hails from Dundalk, lashed out with multiple punches at Mr. White’s head as he was on the ground by the Rum House pub in Dundalk. The incident took place in the wee hours of June 16th, 2018. Mr. White is suing Mr. McGahon with charges of assault and battery to be presented before a judge and a jury. McGahon has denied these accusations, insisting that he had only acted to protect himself. In a previous criminal court case regarding this event, he was acquitted of assaulting Mr. White.
On Thursday, McGahon (aged 33) admitted to his lawyer, Hugh Hartnett, that he was under the influence of alcohol on the fateful night, having consumed drinks with three school acquaintances. Upon exiting the pub around 3am, he was presented to a woman he recognized as having spent the night with Mr. White and his wife, Linda. According to the woman, the Whites were in a festive mood given they had won a significant amount on a horse of theirs that had emerged victorious that day. McGahon admitted to putting his arm around Mrs. White’s shoulder in, what he argues was, a casual, friendly gesture.
McGahon confessed to not remembering what he or Mr. White said to each other, but intimated that White was displeased. He claimed that he extended his hand to Mr. White outside the pub, which was shunned away. McGahon acknowledged that following this, he was a bit of a bother, agreeing that he ought to have taken his leave, something he now regrets not doing.
He stated that he was shoved away by Mr. White, who also attempted to kick him but missed, while grabbing his throat and guiding him out into the street. Things reportedly calmed down for a few minutes until he spoke to the Whites, who were taking shelter from rain under a pub alcove. At this point, he claims Mr. White pushed him and grabbed his throat again.
In his own words, he was taken aback when it came to that point. He explained how alarming it was for someone to intensify the situation as did his assailant. He was in a position where he had his back towards the alcove when Mr White approached him for the third time, making an attempt to get a hold of him and yank his jumper, attempting to throw him onto the ground.
A friend of his was between them acting as a barrier, only for Mr White to dash towards him, forcefully pushing his friend aside. He then placed his hand on his face, yanking his jumper again, but this time managing to pull him down to the ground.
The impact of hitting the ground was severe, and Mr White also plummeted, leading to a scuffle where he landed four or five blows on White. He described the scenario as being in a state of ‘fight or flight’, and being down on the ground leaves little option but to fend for oneself.
Upon cross-examination by Mr White’s legal representative, Barra McGrory, he admitted during a radio interview several months post the incident, and post his selection as a Fine Gael candidate, that he denied previously having engaged in a brawl. However, a week later he confessed on the same radio station that he was indeed involved in one. He also admitted his unhealthy connection to alcohol and that he could be facing a problem.
He also revealed voluntarily seeking counselling and having gotten help. When asked if he was one to generally be physically comforting around strangers, he explained that he was an open individual, and that was simply his way.
He had scant recollection of what was said following Mr White turning down his apology. When questioned if he had claimed to be in control of the town, he responded by calling it a worn-out stereotype usually aimed at politicians.
When Mr Justice Alexander Owens enquired about his alcohol consumption on the night of the incident, he confessed to having lost track. It was declared that the jury would start their discussion on the upcoming Tuesday.