February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Seamus Wynne of Tallanstown, Fintan Wynne of Knockbridge and Dermot Wynne of Kilkerley fought the decision of the District Court.
The case arose from an incident on Nov. 1, 2000 when the three brothers met three members of Knockbridge Gun Club — when all six men were out shooting on the opening day of the season. It was alleged by the gun club members that this meeting took place on lands on which they had sole permission to hunt. All three also alleged that Dermot Wynne raised his gun and fired both barrels in the air over their heads.
The Wynne brothers claimed the confrontation occurred on land owned by Mary Devin and said they had permission to shoot on that land.
At one stage of the trial, Judge Groarke let the matter stand to see if the sergeant could reconcile the two parties.
“It’s a shame a bitterness of this nature should enter into a sport,” he said. “There shouldn’t be a row among neighbors.”
Groarke said the issue was where the six met. He said there was no independent evidence and he couldn’t be convinced. He said he must dismiss the summonses. “This can’t be seen as a defeat or victory for anybody,” he said.
It was his view the guns belonging to the Wynnes should be returned to them but that was a matter for the area’s Garda superintendent.