A 34-year-old man charged following an incident at Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh on Sunday, November 13, was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, it has been revealed in court.

Daniel Comerforde from Mic Uilliam Heights, Dublin is accused of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to a male, having a hammer as a weapon, affray and damaging a glass door at Lough Erne Resort.

He initially appeared in court on Tuesday where a detective constable confirmed all charges could be connected.

There was no application for bail at that stage but this was revisited at Dungannon Magistrates Court today (Friday).

The detective explained on the afternoon in question a number of “panicked” 999 calls were received of large-scale disorder at the resort involving a number of persons.

A male injured party reported being struck to his head and shoulder with a hammer.

On arrival officers stopped a silver car as it drove from the resort with Comerforde behind the wheel.

A search of the vehicle recovered a hammer and a pair of gloves under the driver seat.

He was arrested and whilst initially suspected of attempted murder this was instead confirmed as attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.

In response to an enquiry by Deputy District Judge Sean O’Hare, the detective said Comerforde did not answer any questions put to him during interview.

Further investigations were carried out and it emerged the group attended the resort to demonstrate against the Irish National Party who were holding a conference.

The group became aggressive and attempted to enter the conference, during which damage was caused to double glass doors.

CCTV showed a male matching Comerforde’s description smashing the glass with a hammer.

While he was in custody further information was received alleging he had attempted to strike the injured party using his car.

The detective advised while Comerforde has no record in Northern Ireland he has convictions for assaults in the Republic, although the extent of these have yet to be confirmed by Garda.

A defence solicitor informed the court he had engaged extensively with police over the last few days who have now agreed to bail with a number of stringent conditions.

These include an address approved by police, a cash surety of £2,500 to be lodged with the court, signing three times weekly with police and surrender of Passport.

Comerforde is also banned from entering the Lough Erne Resort and must have no contact with the complainant or any witnesses and must not attend any Irish National Party conferences or events.

The defence confirmed his client’s family were in attendance with the required cash and an address for release is in the process of being checked.

The case was adjourned for mention at Enniskillen Magistrates Court next month.

At the time police confirmed the event was disrupted by protestors but was quickly brought under control when officers attended. Four people were taken to hospital for treatment and a further two were treated for injuries at the scene.

The Irish National Party was founded in 2016 by Justin Barrett, and holds strong views against immigration, abortion, the Covid-17 vaccination and lockdown rules.