Drunk man was obstructing traffic in Temperance Lane in Cork town

An intoxicated man who had passed out in the street and was blocking traffic was found lying in Temperance Lane, Macroom District Court was told.

Court presenter Sergeant Trish O’Sullivan said that Cormac Fitzpatrick, aged 45 of South Terrace, Cork City was found lying in the road at Temperance Lane, Sleveen East, Macroom, Co Cork at 5.15pm in the evening on September 12, 2025.

The court head that Fitzpatrick was lying in the middle of the road causing an obstruction to traffic and pedestrians and when he was approached by gardaí he was unable to stand up, such was his state of inebriation.

Fitzpatrick was arrested for his own safety and the safety of others and taken to Macroom Garda Station where he was charged with being intoxicated in a public place. The court was told that Fitzpatrick had 55 previous convictions, including many for similar offences and that he had been attending counselling for his alcohol addiction.

Judge Joanne Carroll said that Fitzpatrick had created “quite a disturbance” by obstructing traffic in the laneway and was causing other citizens problems with his public intoxication. She said that Fitzpatrick needed to deal with his alcohol issue.

Fitzpatrick was admitted to a probation bond for nine months on condition that he attends alcohol addiction treatment, engages with mental health services and seeks training or employment. The judge added: “If you’re busy, you don’t have time to be causing problems.”

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.