Travellers donate money from discrimination case against a County Limerick pub to Milford Hospice - Ireland

From the Limerick Leader

FOUR members of the travelling community who won a discrimination case against a Shanagolden bar and restaurant are to donate the money awarded to Milford Hospice.

Kevin Carey, Janette Carey, James Carey and Bernie Wilmott took the case against The Old Stand bar and restaurant.

Representing the four, John McNamara said they alleged discrimination against members of the travelling community.

Kevin Carey said on Saturday, February 4 2012 he was out with family and friends. They went for a meal in Limerick city and decided afterwards to go to a pub.

“A brother of mine was playing there [The Old Stand in Shanagolden]. They had advertised live music. I was the first, the bouncer said ‘sorry lads not tonight – private party’.

“I said there was live music advertised. He said it was a ‘private party and you’re not getting in’,” said Mr Carey, who told the court that he asked could he go in to the lounge for a drink of water.

Mr Carey said the bouncer refused entry to the lounge.

“At the same time a man and a woman approached the bouncer and he let them in. Janette asked why he wasn’t letting us in and he said he ‘didn’t have to give a reason’,” said Mr Carey.

“Janette asked him is it because we are members of the travelling community and he said ‘yeah, yeah whatever get the f off’,” added Mr Carey.

Mr McNamara asked Mr Carey how he felt.

“Humiliated and discriminated. I’ve never been refused anywhere in my life. I still am upset,” said Mr Carey.

Brendan Gill, representing Mary Roche of the Old Stand and the bouncer John O’Reilly, asked Mr Carey how many times he attended the premises in the past.

“A good few,” he replied.

“No difficulties?” asked Mr Gill.

“No,” said Mr Carey.

Mr Gill asked how he reconciled the fact that his brother, a member of the travelling community, was playing inside the bar.

“We were discriminated that night,” said Mr Carey.

Mr Gill asked Mr Carey if it was pointed out to him that it was a private party, which he agreed with.

“The bouncer will say you never then asked to go in to the lounge,” said Mr Gill.

“I did,” said Mr Carey.

“He [bouncer] will say he had no idea you were members of the travelling community,” said Mr Gill.

Janette Carey gave evidence that she felt “humiliated and discriminated as other people walked in and out while we were refused entry”.

Mr Gill asked Ms Carey if she had attended the premises before and she said she had for meals.

“Never any difficulty?” asked Mr Gill.

“No,” she replied.

Mary Roche, of the Old Stand, told the court there were three different functions on the night.

“Eddie Carey was paid for by a 40th birthday party. They were very specific that it was a private party,” said Mrs Roche.

Mr Gill asked Mrs Roche about the advertisement in a newspaper for live music.

“I have to put my hands up, there was a mistake. I forgot to cancel it. We do pride ourselves in running a nice establishment. We do respect the customer when they book a private party,” said Mrs Roche.

She said her family has known the Carey family for over 30 years and was a “bit disappointed we are here”.

Mr McNamara put it to Mrs Roche that her doorman discriminated against his clients.

“I wasn’t there to see it but I don’t accept he said it,” said Mrs Roche.

The doorman, John O’Reilly took the stand and said he had 15 years experience.

“Six persons and two not here approached the premises. I asked could I help guide them to the correct place because we had many functions.

“They asked to see their brother play. It was a private party. If they were invited they could see their brother perform,” said Mr O’Reilly, who added that he did not say the remarks that a previous witness said.

“I felt I was being drawn in to something. At no point did they ask to go to the public bar,” said Mr O’Reilly.

“If they had asked to go to the public bar?” said Mr Gill.

“I would have let them in,” said Mr O’Reilly.

Mr McNamara said his clients say they asked to go to the bar.

“You acknowledge refusing members of the travelling community,” asked Mr McNamara.

“No,” replied Mr O’Reilly.

Judge Mary O’Halloran said she was satisfied there was discrimination on the night in question.

She awarded costs and €50 each to Kevin Carey, Janette Carey, James Carey and Bernie Wilmott.

After the court case they confirmed they are to give the money awarded to Milford Hospice.