If a ball is kicked into neighbours garden is neighbour legally obliged to return it?

I politely advised footy to be played elsewhere (rather than against the fence of my back garden. That was ignored - and ultimately, that ball met with stanley blade before being returned in 2 halves.


Problem solved permanently.

FYI that probably constitutes criminal damage as per section 2 Criminal Damage Act 1991.
Link http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1991/act/31/section/2/enacted/en/html#sec2

Two further points ;
1. Don't retaliate by putting yourself in the wrong.
Remind yourself that you are better than that.

2. If intent on this behaviour please remember the 11th commandment - thou shalt not get caught .
 

That can be quite a problem.

If errant footballs are a regular feature causing damage the argument I would put my neighbour is that they - the adults - are permitting the creation and perpetuation of a legal nuisance and that you may have to seek redress from them via their household liability insurers for the damage caused.

This is a bit of a declaration of war but would be justified if you are being pushed too far by repetitive contemptuous behaviour.
 

Now I'm getting worried about you Purple. You should tell the kids that are playing football that you are an unpaid union rep and if such joy keeps happening, you will call a meeting and put an immediate stop to it. Call all other cranky neighbours together and organise a picket line outside the house of the weakest looking boy. At least one picket board should read "We've had too much balls." If you have a beard, you're half way there already. When the lady of the house that is being picketed comes out crying inform her that if her kids want to enjoy themselves, they should watch Derry Girls. That'll do the trick!
 
My cars have been marked from balls coming over from neighbours, Not so funny when damage is being done, parents have the responsibility here not the kids.
 
I hate this time of year when the ball playing begins. I think parents are irresponsible - as long as its not in front of their own door they don't care. I happen to be near a green area so it can be like living near a soccer field. I worry about my house or car being damaged. I'm sure no one would tell me anyway if my car were damaged. Some of the balls used are very hard and could do lots of damage
 
I used to have nice cars but now I drive older ones, pre marked so to speak. I no longer worry about footballs or dings in car parks or any of that stuff. It's remarkably liberating.