Protests by Sinn Fein during the Maritime Festival in Cork last summer against the arrival of the British naval ship HMS Manchester resulted in II defendants appearing before Cork District Court in a case which is expected to last three days.
Appearing before Judge Joe Mangan on public order offences were: Mr Thomas McCormack, Cloghroe, Blarney; Mr Patrick Allen, Pearse Road, Ballyphehane; Mr Michael Nugent, no address given; Mr Robert Morey, Rock Cottages, Mallow Road; Mr Padraig Higgins, Evergreen Street; Mr Brian Murphy, Cornmarket Street; Mr Neilius Cole, St John's Square, Blackpool; Mr James McBarron, Summerstown Drive, Wilton; Mr Traonach O'Brien, no address given; Mr Stephen Kelleher, Millfield Cottages, Mallow Road; and Mr Tom Flynn, Churchfield Place West.
They pleaded not guilty.
The court heard there was a demonstration at Custom House Quay on July 13th against the arrival of HMS Manchester. Protesters tried to rush the ship. The case continues today.