Irish international rugby player Shane Horgan, who assaulted a doorman at a Galway city nightclub, was given the benefit of the Probation Act at Galway Circuit Criminal Court yesterday.
Horgan (22), from Tara, Bellewstown, Co Meath was originally charged under Section 3 of the Non-fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 for assaulting doorman Mr John Fahy outside the Alley nightclub, Ball Alley Lane, Eyre Square, Galway on October 31st last year, causing him harm.
In court yesterday, Horgan pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of common assault and the State accepted his plea.
Insp P.J. Durkin gave evidence that Mr Fahy sustained a broken cheekbone. He said Mr Fahy was a doorman at the nightclub when Horgan approached at midnight. The club was full and a sign on the door indicated this.
Horgan insisted on being let in. Some pulling and shoving between Horgan and Mr Fahy ensued and Horgan struck Mr Fahy.
Horgan left the scene but he was recognised. Gardai later went with Mr Fahy to Flannery's Hotel, where he identified Horgan as the man who hit him.
Judge Carroll Moran said he accepted all civil matters between Mr Fahy and Horgan had been resolved by a "substantial financial settlement".