Woman's hair pulled from her head during violent altercation in large Tipperary town

Two women have pleaded guilty to charges arising from a violent altercation in Nenagh, involving several women, just over 12 months ago.

At a sitting of the local court, Sergeant Regina McCarthy stated that Shauna Ahearn and Jannette Donnelan were socialising at a party at Silver Street in the town when an altercation broke out on October 28, 2024.

She said Ms Ahearn, aged 29, who has an address at St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, was caught on CCTV pushing another woman to the ground three times. It was then outlined how Ms Donnelan, aged 47, of Ard Cruidin, Tyone, Nenagh - picked up a pair of shoes and hit the victim’s vehicle repeatedly.

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Sergeant McCarthy said another woman - who was not named in court - pulled the victim’s hair from her head and brought her to the ground in the same attack. The court heard the injured party was bleeding following the incident and that she required medical treatment.

Judge Marie Keane was told the defendants made "certain admissions" following their arrest and a copy of the medical reports were submitted to her.

Ms Ahearn appeared before the court charged with assault causing harm, while Ms Donnelan is charged with criminal damage.  

Having accepted jurisdiction of the case, Judge Keane adjourned matters until February 13, 2026, to facilitate the preparation of a probation report.

She also directed that the views of the injured party be considered and a victim impact statement is prepared, if appropriate.

The possibility of compensation being paid to the injured party by the next date was also mentioned by the judge.