Search icon

News

21st Aug 2020

Gardaí have launched an investigation into Galway ‘golfgate’ incident

Rudi Kinsella

galway golfgate

This story isn’t going away in a hurry.

Gardaí have launched an investigation into an event that took place in Galway on 19 August that is believed to have breached Covid-19 guidelines.

Over 80 people were in attendance at the event, according to a story initially reported in the Irish Examiner.

The event in question saw a number of prominent figures from media and politics in attendance, including Dara Calleary, Phil Hogan and Sean O’Rourke, among others.

Gardaí said: “An Garda Síochána is investigating an event that was held in Co. Galway on the 19th August, 2020 into alleged breaches of The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.3) Regulations 2020, as amended.

“As this is an active investigation An Garda Síochána has no further comment.”

It is believed that the event in question was held approximately 24 hours after the government had announced a tightening of restrictions around the country with advice to limit gatherings to just six at home, 15 outdoors, and a max of 50 at events organised in a socially-distanced way.

Since it emerged that the event took place, Dara Calleary has apologised and resigned as Minister for Agriculture, while EU Commissioner Phil Hogan has not, nor has he apologised, in a statement released on Friday morning.

https://twitter.com/PhilHoganEU/status/1296748601583063040?s=20

LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge