Mullingar man apologises for calling garda ‘fat b******’

A Mullingar man who called a garda a “fat b******” in a New Year’s Eve drink fuelled outburst has told a court: “That’s not usually the way I would conduct myself.”

Tom Maguire (26) of 7 Grange Cottages, Mullingar, Westmeath appeared at Mullingar District Court to face three public order related charges in connection to an incident at Dominic Street, Mullingar, Westmeath on December 31, 2025.

Sgt Orla Kennan told the court gardaí were called to deal with a “highly intoxicated” male who had been in the vicinity just before 2.30am.

She said Mr Maguire soon acted in a “very aggressive” manner towards gardaí, calling one officer a “fat b******.”

Sgt Keenan said the accused also failed to provide his name and address. He was arrested and taken to Mullingar Garda Station.

The court heard that gardaí did not have to use handcuffs when arresting Mr Maguire.

The accused represented himself in court and addressed Judge Owens when asked about his behaviour on the night.

“That’s not usually the way I would conduct myself,” he said.

Mr Maguire admitted to getting “very drunk” and said he had made efforts to rectify his wrongdoing almost immediately afterwards.

“I went to the station the following day to apologise to the garda but they were not there and I went down a couple of days later and apologised to him.”

Sgt Keenan said while the state did not dispute Mr Maguire’s recollection of events, the case was temporarily put back to allow for checks to be carried out in order to back up his claim.

Following that brief adjournment, Sgt Keenan confirmed that Mr Maguire did, indeed apologise and noted the incident seemed to have been “completely out of character for him”.

Judge Owens agreed to strike out the charges after Mr Maguire returned to court with a €400 donation for the garda charity Little Blue Heroes.

“You are getting an opportunity,” she told him. “You won’t get it again.”