billy connolly tour glasgow

An Interactive Tourism Map Celebrating Billy Connolly Has Launched Across Scotland

It's a big map for the Big Yin, and the perfect way to honour the legendary comedian.

A ‘Big Map for the Big Yin’ has officially launched in Scotland, allowing fans of the iconic Glasgow-born comedian to discover the places in the country that have been key throughout Billy Connolly’s life and career.

Created by the National Theatre of Scotland, the new interactive map has been designed as a love letter to the Big Yin, allowing fans and friends to share their own Billy Connolly memories, too.

Spanning key locations across not only Scotland , but England, too (namely London ), fans can explore numerous locations in Glasgow – including where Billy lived as a kid, a 50-ft portrait on Osborne Street, and, of course, the Pavilion Theatre where smash-hit show Dear Billy will return this year.

In the early days of his career, Connolly toured the folk clubs, the grand theatres and working men’s clubs of Scotland before making it big, and even worked the shipyards of Glasgow’s Clydeside in the 1960’s – making for plenty of stops for fans to visit.

In addition to being able to visit most places (at least, the outside of them), fans can simply navigate the map and read the stories that have been left, including tidbits from fans who have opened up about where and when they met Big Yin, and what that meant for them.

The new map comes at the perfect time, with writer and performer Gary McNair’s hit show, Dear Billy , returning to the stage in Scotland this year. The unique production celebrates Billy Connolly and his impact on the nation, telling stories from fans, friends and even audience members, with opportunities to laugh, sing and celebrate the icon.

Gary McNair, writer and performer of Dear Billy said: “I’m delighted we are launching the Big Map for the Big Yin where people can pin their own stories and connections to Billy . As we learned when interviewing people to make this show- everyone has something to say about Billy , whether that’s a memorable meeting or a connection to his work.

“The great thing about the Big Map is that there is a space where people can continue to share and hopefully build an interactive document about what he means to us all.

“I’m beyond giddy to be bringing the show Dear Billy back so soon after its tour last year. It is a genuine honour to have been trusted to make this show, Billy is so important to so many people that it was so well received was a dream come true. I can’t wait to get back on the road with the band and meet new amazing audience.”

Connolly retired from the entertainment business back in 2018 due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis, and today puts his focus into a newfound love of art. His impact on Glasgow , Scotland and the world of comedy is undeniable, and while Big Yin is no longer up on that stage making us fold over with laughter, he’ll forever be remembered as one of the most hilarious Scotsman to grace this Earth.

Dear Billy will tour Scotland and England this May, followed by a run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2024. More information is available here .

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Where Can We Walk

Paths, walks, treks and rambles in the UK and around the world

Billy Connolly, Glasgow walking tour

Born in Glasgow during 1942, Billy Connolly is known throughout the world as a comedian, artist and actor.

Sir Billy Connolly started his working career as an apprentice welder in the rough and tough Clyde shipyards of Scotland.

In 1964 he met Danny Kyle , who introduced Connolly to folk pubs including the Scotia Bar in Glasgow and the Glasgow Folk Club in Montrose Street.

This lit the spark for Billy’s musical career and in the following year, Connolly and singer-guitarist Tam Harvey formed the Humblebums.

A short time later Connolly met the accomplished songwriter, singer and guitarist, Gerry Rafferty and after initially working as a trio with Harvey, they became the New Humblebums, releasing the album of that name in September 1969.

The jokes he told between songs eventually took over his act and he became a full-time comedian thanks, in part, to a national appearance in 1975 on the Parkinson show.

This tv appearance started a chain reaction, making him famous in Britain and beyond through his stand-up comedy routines, sell-out tours, TV shows and film appearances over the following decades.

Billy Connolly, art and film

Connolly is also well-known as an artist and sculptor.

In 2022 he revealed in a TV special that drawing had given him a new lease of life, having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2013. 

Billy Connolly has appeared in more than 50 films including  The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies  (2014),  Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events  (2004),  The Last Samurai  (2003),  Mrs. Brown  (1997) and  Indecent Proposal  (1993). 

In October 2021, he released his first autobiography,  Windswept & Interesting .

Glasgow murals

In celebration of Billy Connolly’s 75th birthday three murals were commissioned in 2017 featuring the Glasgow legend.

The murals are created from original works by top Scottish artists Jack Vettriano , John Byrne and Rachel Maclean .

They were painted in secret by the artists  Rogue-one  and  Art Pistol  ahead of a BBC tv programme, Billy Connolly: Portrait of a Lifetime .

These now form part of the Glasgow Mural trail . An interactive map is also available here .

A fourth mural, created by artist Andy Scott, is near the comedian’s birthplace. It overlooks the shipyards where he once worked as a welder and can be seen from the Kingston Bridge.

It is made from about 1.5 miles (2.4km) of 6mm (0.24in) steel, chopped into thousands of pieces.

Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association commissioned the 500kg (79st) mural which formally completes phase 1 of a regeneration project.

The Big Yin, Billy Connolly walking tour

In this walking guide you can pay tribute to Glasgow’s funniest welder, actor, musician, TV presenter and comedian, Sir Billy Connolly with a tour of his Glasgow murals and more.

Billy Connolly was awarded an honorary degree on 11th July 2001 , part of the University of Glasgow’s 550th anniversary celebrations. He was awarded the Doctor of Letters in recognition of his work as a singer, comedian and media personality.

Connolly’s nickname  The Big Yin  was first used during his adolescent years to differentiate between himself and his father, according to Wikipedia.

Mr Connolly currently lives in Florida.

More information

A Big Map for the Big Yin! Interactive map launched to celebrate Billy Connolly

National theatre of scotland launches a new interactive map for scotland to demonstrate its love for the big yin, inviting people to share their own billy connolly memories..

Article Source: National Theatre of Scotland Last Updated: 25 April 2024 15:21

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‘Love letter’ to Sir Billy Connolly set for theatre tour

A Scottish writer and performer is set to take his “love letter” to Sir Billy Connolly on the road in the new year.

Gary McNair, along with an expert team of story gatherers and the National Theatre of Scotland, has created a collection of moving and hilarious tales to be called “Dear Billy” about the comedy legend.

The show, announced on Sir Billy’s 80th birthday, will tour throughout 2023, culminating at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow .

Audiences will participate in the show as McNair will collect stories from those in the crowd and weave them into the show as the tour progresses.

McNair said: “It’s an honour to be doing this show. To take on a subject and a figure as beloved by the public as Billy with our National Theatre is a very proud moment indeed and one that I will cherish.

“It has been a joyous production to be a part of, with so many wonderful artists involved in its research and development.

“I hope we can continue that feeling of joy when we get on the road and share it with audiences up and down the country.

“There will be a seat for Billy every night and we hope he can come along and see just what he means to the people of Scotland.”

Jackie Wylie, artistic director of the National Theatre of Scotland, said: “Billy Connolly is arguably Scotland’s most loved artist. We thought it fitting that his National Theatre should honour him with a theatrical love letter, in the form of a special new show.

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“Dear Billy is created with the words collected from the people of Scotland about what Billy means to them, and written and performed by the brilliant Gary McNair which will tour the length and breadth of the country in 2023.”

Sir Billy, affectionately known as the Big Yin, has enjoyed a career spanning more than 50 years.

Earlier this year, he was awarded the Bafta Fellowship for lifetime achievement.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013 and retired from touring in 2018.

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National Theatre of Scotland

Assembly rooms, music hall | edinburgh festival fringe.

13 - 25 Aug | Edinburgh Festival Fringe

• Dates and times Dates and times

A LOVE LETTER TO THE BIG YIN

From the people of scotland.

If you don’t know who Billy Connolly is, ask the people of Scotland. And if you want to know about the people of Scotland, ask them about Billy Connolly.

Last year’s sell-out smash hit celebration of one of Scotland’s best loved performers, The Big Yin, is back by popular demand.

Gary McNair, one of Scotland’s finest theatre makers, and an expert team of story gatherers spent years speaking to people all over the country about The Big Yin. Some knew him in childhood, at the shipyards of the Clydeside, from his trailblazing and extraordinary stage and movie exploits. Some had only met him once, some still dream of meeting him but they all had one thing in common- they weren’t short of things to say about him.

Gary then took this huge collection of moving and hilarious tales and turned them into a joyous piece of theatre celebrating the Big Yin and what he means to us.

So join him and the band as they hit the road again, collecting more stories as they go, making every show different. A great night out for all that will have you in stitches!

Written and performed by Gary McNair and directed by Joe Douglas .

A National Theatre of Scotland production

5 Stars A populist, funny and poignant jigsaw puzzle collage Scottish Daily Mail

5 Stars Vivid, funny and poignant The Guardian

5 Stars Moving, fascinating and often hilarious The Scotsman

5 Stars Joyous All Edinburgh Theatre

5 Stars A gloriously masterful 90 minutes of theatre The Telegraph

5 Stars Rich and moving The Arts Desk

4 Stars Reminds us why it’s so great and how much it means to all of us Daily Record

4 Stars McNair... shapes the material beautifully... with respect and affection The Times

4 Stars Surprisingly thoughtful The Herald

what audiences are saying

Creative team.

• Name Kate Bonney Role Lighting Designer
• Name Joe Douglas Role Director / Dramaturg
• Name Claire Halleran Role Set and Costume Designer
• Name Simon Hayes Role Lighting Designer
• Name Simon Liddell Role Composer
• Name Gary McNair Role Writer
• Name Jill O'Sullivan Role Composer
• Name Calum Paterson Role Production Sound Designer
• Name Sally Reid Role Director (remount)
• Name Simon Liddell Role Musician
• Name Gary McNair Role Performer
• Name Jill O'Sullivan Role Musician

Wider Production Team

A big map for the big yin.

Share your stories, memories, and favourite jokes to add your unique mark to this living tribute and help us make this map a right Big Yin!

Production shots

Rehearsal shots.

• Dear Billy | Saw Him Coming
• Dear Billy | Audience Reactions | 2024
• Dear Billy | Audience Reactions 2023

Dear Billy | Access

Booking information.

Age Recommendation : 12+ Content Warning: The performance contains strong language Running Time: approx. 80 mins, straight through with no interval.

Choose Dates and Book

Accessibility.

• Captioned This performance is captioned
• Audio descibed This performance is audio described
• Signed This performance is signed
• Relaxed This performance is relaxed

Billy Connolly

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Past Events

Here are the most recent UK tour dates we had listed for Billy Connolly. Were you there?

February 2017

• Sat 18 Feb Dublin, 3Arena Billy Connolly
• Fri 17 Feb Dublin, 3Arena Billy Connolly
• Thu 16 Feb Dublin, 3Arena Billy Connolly
• Sun 12 Feb SSE Arena, Belfast Billy Connolly
• Sat 11 Feb SSE Arena, Belfast Billy Connolly

November 2016

• Wed 30 Nov London, OVO Arena, Wembley Billy Connolly
• Tue 29 Nov The BIC, Bournemouth Billy Connolly
• Mon 28 Nov The BIC, Bournemouth Billy Connolly
• Fri 25 Nov Peterborough, East of England Arena & Events Centre Billy Connolly
• Wed 23 Nov Brighton Centre Billy Connolly
• Tue 22 Nov Brighton Centre Billy Connolly
• Mon 21 Nov Brighton Centre Billy Connolly
• Sat 19 Nov M&S Bank Arena Liverpool Billy Connolly
• Thu 17 Nov Newcastle upon Tyne, O2 City Hall Newcastle Billy Connolly
• Wed 16 Nov Newcastle upon Tyne, O2 City Hall Newcastle Billy Connolly
• Tue 15 Nov Newcastle upon Tyne, O2 City Hall Newcastle Billy Connolly
• Sun 13 Nov Utilita Arena Sheffield Billy Connolly
• Fri 11 Nov Manchester, The AO Arena Billy Connolly
• Thu 10 Nov Manchester, The AO Arena Billy Connolly
• Tue 8 Nov Motorpoint Arena Nottingham Billy Connolly
• Sun 6 Nov Utilita Arena Cardiff Billy Connolly
• Sat 5 Nov Utilita Arena Cardiff Billy Connolly
• Thu 3 Nov Utilita Arena Birmingham Billy Connolly
• Wed 2 Nov Utilita Arena Birmingham Billy Connolly

February 2016

• Sat 6 Feb London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Fri 5 Feb London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Wed 3 Feb London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Tue 2 Feb London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly

January 2016

• Sat 23 Jan London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Fri 22 Jan London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Thu 21 Jan London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Tue 19 Jan London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Sat 16 Jan London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Fri 15 Jan London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Wed 13 Jan London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Tue 12 Jan London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Sat 9 Jan London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Fri 8 Jan London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly
• Thu 7 Jan London, Eventim Apollo Billy Connolly

October 2014

• Fri 31 Oct Glasgow, SEC Billy Connolly
• Thu 30 Oct Glasgow, SEC Billy Connolly
• Wed 29 Oct Glasgow, SEC Billy Connolly
• Mon 27 Oct Glasgow, SEC Billy Connolly
• Sun 26 Oct Glasgow, SEC Billy Connolly
• Fri 24 Oct Glasgow, SEC Billy Connolly
• Thu 23 Oct Glasgow, SEC Billy Connolly
• Wed 22 Oct Glasgow, SEC Billy Connolly
• Mon 20 Oct Glasgow, SEC Billy Connolly
• Sun 19 Oct Glasgow, SEC Billy Connolly
• Thu 16 Oct Edinburgh, Usher Hall Billy Connolly
• Wed 15 Oct Edinburgh, Usher Hall Billy Connolly
• Sun 12 Oct Dundee, Caird Hall Billy Connolly
• Sat 11 Oct Dundee, Caird Hall Billy Connolly
• Wed 8 Oct Edinburgh, Usher Hall Billy Connolly
• Tue 7 Oct Edinburgh, Usher Hall Billy Connolly
• Sun 5 Oct Edinburgh, Usher Hall Billy Connolly
• Sat 4 Oct Edinburgh, Usher Hall Billy Connolly
• Thu 2 Oct Perth Theatre & Concert Hall Billy Connolly
• Wed 1 Oct Perth Theatre & Concert Hall Billy Connolly

September 2014

• Tue 30 Sep Aberdeen Music Hall Billy Connolly
• Mon 29 Sep Aberdeen Music Hall Billy Connolly
• Fri 5 Apr ➙ Fri 26 Apr Belfast, Waterfront Hall Billy Connolly
• Fri 16 Mar Brighton Centre Billy Connolly
• Thu 15 Mar Brighton Centre Billy Connolly
• Mon 12 Mar Utilita Arena Cardiff Billy Connolly
• Sun 11 Mar Utilita Arena Cardiff Billy Connolly
• Thu 8 Mar The BIC, Bournemouth Billy Connolly
• Wed 7 Mar The BIC, Bournemouth Billy Connolly
• Sun 4 Mar Southampton, Mayflower Theatre Billy Connolly
• Sat 3 Mar Wolverhampton, The Civic at The Halls Billy Connolly
• Fri 2 Mar Wolverhampton, The Civic at The Halls Billy Connolly

February 2012

• Wed 29 Feb O2 Apollo Manchester Billy Connolly
• Tue 28 Feb O2 Apollo Manchester Billy Connolly
• Mon 27 Feb O2 Apollo Manchester Billy Connolly
• Sat 25 Feb Birmingham, Symphony Hall Billy Connolly
• Fri 24 Feb Birmingham, Symphony Hall Billy Connolly
• Thu 23 Feb Plymouth Pavilions Billy Connolly
• Wed 22 Feb Plymouth Pavilions Billy Connolly
• Mon 20 Feb Bristol Beacon Billy Connolly
• Sun 19 Feb Bristol Beacon Billy Connolly
• Sat 18 Feb Bristol Beacon Billy Connolly
• Thu 16 Feb Southend-on-Sea, Cliffs Pavilion Billy Connolly
• Wed 15 Feb Southend-on-Sea, Cliffs Pavilion Billy Connolly
• Tue 14 Feb Ipswich, Regent Theatre Billy Connolly
• Mon 13 Feb Ipswich, Regent Theatre Billy Connolly
• Sat 11 Feb Nottingham, Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall Billy Connolly
• Fri 10 Feb Nottingham, Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall Billy Connolly
• Wed 8 Feb Huddersfield Town Hall Billy Connolly
• Tue 7 Feb Bradford, St George's Hall Billy Connolly
• Mon 6 Feb Bradford, St George's Hall Billy Connolly
• Sat 4 Feb Llandudno, Venue Cymru Billy Connolly
• Fri 3 Feb Llandudno, Venue Cymru Billy Connolly

January 2012

• Tue 31 Jan Liverpool Empire Theatre Billy Connolly
• Mon 30 Jan Liverpool Empire Theatre Billy Connolly
• Wed 25 Jan Doncaster, The Dome Billy Connolly
• Tue 24 Jan Doncaster, The Dome Billy Connolly
• Fri 20 Jan Newcastle upon Tyne, O2 City Hall Newcastle Billy Connolly
• Thu 19 Jan Newcastle upon Tyne, O2 City Hall Newcastle Billy Connolly
• Tue 17 Jan Sheffield City Hall and Memorial Hall Billy Connolly
• Mon 16 Jan Sheffield City Hall and Memorial Hall Billy Connolly

• News & Reviews
• Tours & Tickets

Billy Connolly's iconic banana boots are now a fashion item

• Footwear is star attraction at London Fashion Week 

They were an iconic feature of Sir Billy Connolly’s 1975 tour and became part of his trademark look as he rose to fame.

Now, a Scottish fashion designer has taken inspiration from the comic’s banana boots by showcasing his own version during London Fashion Week.

Charles Jeffrey’s creations are crafted from bright yellow leather – complete with a paw-shaped toe cap – that sprout from a thick, black rubber sole into a peeled banana design at the top.

The quirky footwear was part of his spring/summer 2025 presentation in the courtyard of London’s Somerset House where his Loverboy brand is based.

The show marked the launch of a retrospective commemorating his brand’s 10 years in fashion.

During that time the 33-year-old has secured his reputation and drawn a solid base of celebrity fans, including actress Tilda Swinton and pop stars Harry Styles and Gwen Stefani .

Jeffrey’s banana boots differ from the Big Yin’s curved pair, but that hasn’t stopped designers making the connection between them and the comic’s fruity footwear, with fashion bible Vogue describing them as ‘Jeffrey’s tribute to Billy Connolly’.

The star’s size nine banana boots were created by Glasgow pop artist Edmund Smith and had been on display in the People’s Palace, in Glasgow, for many years and will be back there when it reopens following its refurbishment.

It isn’t the first time Jeffrey, from Bellshill, in Lanarkshire, has paid homage to a Scottish great.

In 2022, Nairn-based Ms Swinton appeared at the fashion awards in London in a silk gown and overcoat designed by Jeffrey that bore art by her former partner – the late John Byrne. 

The clothes paid tribute to The Slab Boys, one of the Paisley playwright’s famous works. At the time, Jeffrey said: ‘One of the collection’s main elements is the collaboration with John Byrne, the father of Tilda’s children and someone we’ve already been inspired by in the past.’

Swinton was in the front row during the Scots designer’s London show last week alongside her actress daughter Honor Swinton Byrne.

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

• Good News Resonates in Glasgow as Hundreds Say: ‘I Want Jesus’

By Kali Zakariasen   •   June 23, 2024

When Karen heard about the Franklin Graham God Loves You Tour in Glasgow, Scotland, she immediately thought of Teresa*—her daughter’s mother-in-law.

“I heard that she was interested in Christianity,” Karen shared. “I knew exactly who I was going to invite tonight.”

And on Saturday night, Teresa was one of more than 7,500 people in the crowd at the OVO Hydro arena, where Franklin Graham preached the Good News at the second stop of the God Loves You Tour in the U.K.

He shared from Mark 10 about Bartimaeus—a blind man whose sight was restored when he called out to Jesus in faith. We are all “spiritually blind” without Jesus, Graham added.

He explained that a personal relationship with God is possible only through trusting in His Son, Jesus Christ.

“You come to Jesus,” Graham said, inviting guests to come forward to pray and make that decision. “Let Him heal your heart—let Him set you free tonight.”

Teresa came forward, with Karen by her side, sharing that everything Graham said about God’s love, salvation, and hope touched her heart.

“I want Jesus,” Teresa said.

Karen left the arena, grinning from ear to ear at how God works: “Forgiveness is amazing,” she said.

‘God Put Us Together’

Isla* had been going to church, but she knew deep down something was missing.

When her church invited her on a free bus ride to the God Loves You Tour, she couldn’t say no.

Some 116 buses brought people from as far away as Aberdeen—over a two-hour drive from Glasgow—to hear Graham’s message about the hope of the Gospel.

“Religion can’t save you—the only one who can save you is Jesus Christ,” Graham explained. “He’ll forgive you, cleanse you, and set you free tonight.”

It was then that Isla realized what she was missing: She needed to know God personally.

Wendy—a missionary from Alberta, Canada—was delighted to pray with the 20-year-old as she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ.

“She was really excited after we prayed,” Wendy said. “She had joy on her face.”

As the two talked more, they realized they live only 20 minutes from each other and decided to exchange contact information.

“It will be nice to have a Christian friend,” Isla told Wendy.

“I would love to disciple her in her walk with Christ,” Wendy said later, beaming. “God put us together.”

>>Please pray that these new believers will grow strong in their walks with God, and for upcoming evangelistic outreaches. Will Graham will share the Good News in Gold Coast, Australia, on June 29.

*Some names have been changed for privacy.

Give to God Loves You Tour

You can help present the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ in various US cities through the God Loves You Tour with Franklin Graham.

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Refining fire.

Former Dublin GAA star Diarmuid Connolly avoids conviction for ‘unprovoked’ New Year’s Eve attack

Gaelic footballer admitted assaulting two people in santry in december 2022.

Diarmuid Connolly, 36, with an address at Collinswood in Beaumont,  admitted assaulting Stephen Grimes and Stephen Kiely at Shantalla Road in Santry on December 31st, 2022 Photograph: Collins Courts

Former Dublin GAA star Diarmuid Connolly has been spared a custodial sentence and an assault conviction for punching two men and dragging one of them along the ground in an “unprovoked” New Year’s Eve attack.

Connolly (36) with an address at Collinswood in Beaumont, admitted assaulting Stephen Grimes and Stephen Kiely at Shantalla Road in Santry on December 31st, 2022.

He appeared at Dublin District Court again for sentencing on Thursday after he pleaded guilty last month before Judge Michele Finan.

He said “Yeah” when Judge Finan asked if he understood the seriousness of the case having delayed complying with a €2,000 compensation payment by four weeks and leaving the court “waiting” for him last time.

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She noted that he admitted the offence. “I’ll take it as an isolated incident but this behaviour cannot be tolerated, do you understand,” she said, and Connolly nodded in reply.

“I am,” he said, when asked if he was taking it seriously.

At an earlier hearing of the evidence, on May 30th, Garda Niamh Carolan said officers responded to an incident and attended the scene.

“Mr Kiely and Mr Grimes made statements and identified the suspected offender as Diarmuid Connolly,” the garda said.

“Mr Kiely alleged that in an unprovoked assault, he was punched and dragged to the ground by Mr Connolly, resulting in Mr Connolly ripping a North Face jacket belonging to Mr Kiely.”

“It was then reported that Mr Grimes came to the aid of Mr Kiely and was subsequently assaulted also, having received a punch to the right side of his face by Mr Connolly.”

The court heard a later Garda interview with the accused “was of a no-comment nature.”

However, CCTV evidence from the area that night was obtained.

Judge Finan asked if the two injured parties were present at the hearing and was told they had come to court. State solicitor Niall McGinty explained that they decided not to stay after learning about Connolly’s guilty plea.

The judge noted they suffered facial bruising and swelling but did not want to provide victim impact statements.

The assault charge in this case is in a category that could result in sentences of up to six months in prison per offence, but the judge noted that Connolly had no recorded convictions.

Defence solicitor Daniel Hanahoe said his client worked as an electrician and has two young children.

The judge described it as an unfortunate offence, but she remarked that Connolly dealt with it appropriately. She noted he informed the prosecution he would plead guilty, relieving the witnesses from having to give evidence.

She told him to pay €1,000 to each complainant and suggested doing it that day.

Father of two Connolly spoke up and insisted, “I’ll get it today”.

Connolly left to get the money and the case stood adjourned until his return. However, three hours later, Judge Finan saw that he was still not back and she adjourned the case until Thursday when he brought the compensation to court.

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