Associated 2 - The Drag
Sometimes the little things are the most revealing. In Court 24 on one of the many days when I believed that there was a point in turning up, three barristers standing at the back of the court were having a conversation. One of them said ''Nobody ever questions the costs of litigation when the State is paying'' and they laughed. Two months ago, the High Court ordered the taxpayer to hand over half a million euro to the ex-Athlone Town (the old club) player Michael Sheehan. Sheehan had a bit of a contretemps with the Gardai at closing time in Athlone eleven years ago. It appears that Mr. Sheehan got a bit mouthy after two others in his company were caught acting the maggot in the middle of the street. It was probably an overreaction to charge Sheehan under the Public Order Act. In the cold light of day, feelings might have been hurt but no blood was shed and the incident doesn't sound like it should have been a big deal for anyone involved. But the jury didn't ...