BREAKING: Man in court as garda tells of a drugs 'turf war' and shots fired at house in a Kildare town

A “turf war" is taking place in Newbridge over drugs, it was claimed at Naas District Court.

Before the court was Owen Feane, 19, whose address was given as 2671 Dara Park, Newbridge, on a single allegation of violent disorder on the town's main street on December 29, 2025.

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Detective Garda James Young told the court that a man was in the post office in Newbridge on December 29 and there were three people waiting outside.

He said the injured party was kicked and punched when he left and he alleged the defendant pushed him while the two others assaulted him.

He said the injured party’s dad broke it up and he was assaulted by the first two males.

Det Gda Young said there is a drug feud, a “turf war” taking place and one group wants the other one gone.

He added a house had been targeted on four occasions, including three incidents of alleged arson.

He said four shots were fired at a house from a shotgun. The situation, he added, is getting very serious.

He objected to bail being granted and said he feared the defendant would commit offences or interfere with witnesses, adding he openly admits to smoking cannabis.

He told defence solicitor Chloe Donegan that he did not have his witness in court because the witness is “at home fixing up windows and doors as a result of the incident.”

Referring to the investigation, the garda said it’s believed a juvenile is involved and the gardai are looking for another possible suspect.

Ms Donegan said the defendant had no previous convictions and no history of offending. She also said he smokes cannabis recreationally "but that did not require him to go out and commit crimes while on bail.”

Judge Desmond Zaidan said there are “alleged facts" but the court had to use common sense and “bring reality to the case,” though the defendant is presumed to be innocent.

He said the allegation of a drug turf war “is present, real and ongoing and poses a danger to individuals and society as a whole.”

The judge said the State objection to bail is well founded and strict bail conditions would not be appropriate. The defendant was remanded in custody to February 5.