A tech worker who was promised a €150,000-a-year salary but received only €11,500 over eleven months has been awarded €126,000 in back pay by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The employee, who left a permanent job to join the tech firm, faced severe financial hardship, including falling behind on mortgage payments, electricity bills, and loan repayments. She was unable to heat her home during freezing weather and faced marital difficulties due to the financial strain. The CEO of the company assured her that wages would be paid in full, but no payments were made beyond the initial €11,500. The WRC found that the worker was owed 11 months of salary at €12,500 per month, less the €11,500 already paid. The adjudicator noted that the company did not attend the hearing, and the decision was based on the worker's uncontested evidence. The case highlights the importance of timely wage payments and the consequences of non-compliance with the Payment of Wages Act 1991.
Two men who were high on laughing gas and randomly attacked a woman have been told by a judge that some crimes cannot be walked away from. The attack occurred on Seamus Ennis Road, Finglas, where the woman was pushed to the ground and assaulted. The victim suffered injuries and had her phone stolen. CCTV footage captured the attackers, identified as Craig Mains (28) and Shane Daly (27). Both pleaded guilty to assault and related charges. Judge Ronan Munro described the attack as savage and an outrage. Mains received a three-year sentence with the final 18 months suspended, while Daly received a three-month suspended sentence. Both were placed under probation supervision. The victim was commended for her resilience. The defendants expressed remorse and offered financial compensation. Mains has a history of drug use and is in treatment, while Daly is drug-free and has no recent convictions.
A former accountant pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft and deception offences committed over six weeks in early 2025. Michelle Dillon, aged 59 and homeless, stole a bank card and medical card from an elderly patient at a Dublin hospital on 20 February. She subsequently travelled to Cork, Clare, Meath, Westmeath and Wicklow, presenting herself as the legitimate account holder at various banks to withdraw approximately €8,000 in cash. She also made contactless payments totalling €133. Withdrawals occurred in Cork city, Bray, Dublin city centre, Navan, Athlone and Ennis. When presenting at an AIB branch in Navan on 4 March, a warning mark was active on the account, yet she convinced staff she was the genuine holder. She was arrested in October 2025 at Cavan General Hospital after presenting under a false name. The victim's bank refunded all monies. Judge Elma Sheahan described the initial theft as despicable and the subsequent deceptions as planned, premeditated and brazen.
A man who killed a pensioner with an MMA-style back spin kick has been jailed for five years. Joshua Rush (25) pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Charles McCaughley (69) at Fairview Strand, Dublin 3 on June 7, 2021. The court heard that Rush delivered a deliberate kick to the victim, who later died from a traumatic brain injury. Judge Martina Baxter described the attack as unprovoked and called Rush's actions callous. She sentenced him to six-and-a-half years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended on conditions. Rush expressed genuine remorse and has no previous convictions. His sister, the victim's closest relative, did not want to see anyone jailed for his death. Rush's defence highlighted his difficult family background and mental health issues, asking the court to consider his culpability as low.
A young man who killed a pensioner with an MMA-style kick which caused him to fall to the ground and suffer a fatal head injury, has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing next month. Joshua Rush (25) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the manslaughter of Charles McCaughley (69) at Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3 on June 7, 2021. Shortly before the incident, Mr McCaughley ordered fish and chips from a takeaway where staff said he "was in good form", Detective Sergeant David Ennis previously told Diana Stuart SC, prosecuting. Another witness waiting for a bus told gardai that he saw three youths passing an older man as he walked along Fairview Strand. He said he saw one of the young men – Rush – employ a "back spin kick, like MMA" on the older man, causing him to fall on his back. The trio left the scene and were seen entering accommodation nearby. When the witness ran to his assistance, Mr McCaughley was unconscious and there was blood coming from his mouth.
Joshua Rush pleaded guilty to manslaughter after a kick caused Charles McCaughley to fall and suffer a fatal brain injury on Fairview Strand. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court adjourned sentencing-related matters while gardai seek more information about McCaughley's background.
A murderer who claimed he was acting in self-defence when he stabbed his ex-partner's boyfriend to death has failed in an appeal against his conviction. Nassar Ahmed (45) of The Mews, Kilrush Road, Ennis, had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Eoin Boylan (32) at Gordon Drive, Cloughleigh, Ennis, on April 14th, 2020. The trial jury found Ahmed guilty of murder after deliberating for just two hours and five minutes, rejecting his claim of self-defence. Ahmed was sentenced to life imprisonment by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon in July 2022. The prosecution argued that Ahmed had invited Boylan to a fist fight and then stabbed him in a 'sneak attack' while concealing a knife. Ahmed told gardaí he grabbed a sharp object but could not remember what it was or where he threw it. The prosecution described his lies as 'borderline laughable'. The jury watched CCTV footage showing Boylan retreating from the attack. Ahmed admitted to unlawfully killing Boylan but claimed self-defence. The jury rejected his claim, finding he was the aggressor.
A court heard that Craig Mains (28) of Hazelcroft Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, and Shane Daly (27) of Woodhazel Close, Ballymun, Dublin 11, were high on laughing gas when they carried out a random unprovoked assault on a woman on Seamus Ennis Road, Finglas, north Dublin, on the evening of July 18, 2021. The woman was pushed to the ground and suffered injuries including a split lip, cuts to her knee, blood on her face and clothing, and a fractured elbow. One of the men took her mobile phone and damaged it. CCTV footage from a nearby funeral home captured the incident. Both men pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and criminal damage of an iPhone. Daly also pleaded guilty to assault. The robbery charges were dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Daly has 23 previous convictions, including one for affray with a suspended prison sentence earlier this month. Mains has five previous convictions, all for road traffic offences. The victim submitted a victim impact report, which the judge said he would take into consideration. Both defendants expressed remorse and offered apologies. Daly handed over €2,000, and Mains brought €1,000 to court. The matter was adjourned to May 12, 2025, for finalisation, with both men remanded on continuing bail to that date.
A once-aspiring model, Ana Coretchi, has been awarded €80K in damages by the High Court after suffering first-degree burns and scarring on her legs following a laser hair-removal treatment in 2020. Ms Coretchi, who was preparing her portfolio for a full-time modelling career, claimed that the procedure left her with lasting burns and scarring. The court heard that she suffered extensive brown discolouration and skin ulceration, which were confirmed by a GP. A dermatologist consultant noted that she had extensive white hypopigmentation on her posterior thighs, which may be permanent. Ms Coretchi experienced a burning sensation for three weeks and had to put her modelling career on hold due to the injuries. The court awarded her €80K in general damages, noting the impact on her self-view and career path. The judge was satisfied of negligence on the part of the clinic and awarded the damages to the plaintiff.
Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator Brian Dalton ruled in favour of therapist Nora Martin, awarding her €105,567.38 for unfair dismissal and employment rights breaches against Genesis Psychotherapy and Family Therapy Service Ltd. The adjudicator found that Martin's selection for redundancy was "not fair" and "tainted by a personal animus," describing the employer's conduct as "egregious." He determined there was "no evidence supporting any criminal wrongdoing" regarding fraud allegations related to a 2013 fundraiser, nor any case of bullying. Martin was awarded €90,000 for losses arising from unfair dismissal, €6,227 for non-payment of statutory notice, and €9,340.38 in unpaid wages. The adjudicator rejected the respondent's argument that the delay prejudiced the company, noting the employer had originally sought the 2017 adjournment pending a High Court defamation action. That defamation case remains live. Richard Trehy, the charity's finance manager, was a named subject in the proceedings; he was deceased by the time the WRC heard the substance of the complaint. The matter was previously adjourned in 2017 at the company's request, but the WRC proceeded to a final decision on the employment claims.
Raymond Donovan (44), who murdered his ex-girlfriend 21 years ago, had his claim that the Court of Criminal Appeal had substituted his life sentence with a 20-year term dismissed by the High Court. Mr Justice Garrett Simons ruled that Donovan had no basis for his claim and that it caused distress to the victim's family. Donovan, formerly of New Houses, Cooraclare, Co Clare, strangled his former girlfriend, Ann Walsh (23), to death in 2005. He launched a High Court bid for release, claiming the Court of Appeal had substituted his sentence, but no detention warrant proved this. The court found that the Central Criminal Court could not direct any other sentence than the mandatory life imprisonment for murder. Donovan's application was dismissed, and the judge said there was no basis for his claim of legality over his imprisonment. Raymond Donovan was convicted.
Convicted murderer Raymond Donovan has applied to the High Court for his release from prison, claiming that the Court of Appeal replaced his life sentence with a 20-year term. Donovan, who strangled his former girlfriend Ann Walsh to death on the grounds of a church in 2005, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2006. He now argues that the Court of Appeal substituted his sentence, and that prison authorities do not have the necessary documents to justify his continued detention. In an ex-parte application, Donovan's legal team successfully sought permission to inquire into his detention, citing Article 40.4.2 of the Constitution. He claims that prison officials have provided him with documents indicating a 20-year sentence, but he has been unable to obtain a copy of the Court of Appeal's warrant. Donovan is seeking a full inquiry into the legality of his detention and potentially bail. The High Court has adjourned the matter for further proceedings. At his trial, Donovan admitted to choking Ms Walsh but claimed he did not intend to kill her.
Nassar Ahmed, 45, of Ennis, is appealing his murder conviction for the killing of Eoin Boylan, 32, at Gordon Drive, Cloughleigh, Ennis, on April 14, 2020. Ahmed had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, claiming self-defence. However, a jury unanimously found him guilty of murder, rejecting his defence and accepting the prosecution's allegation that he stabbed Boylan three times in a "sneak attack" after inviting him to a fist fight while concealing a knife. In July 2022, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon sentenced Ahmed to the mandatory term of life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court. During the appeal hearing, Michael Bowman SC, representing Ahmed, argued that the trial judge erred in her ruling on how certain evidence was presented, contending that the verdicts should be set aside. Conversely, Lorcan Staines SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, asserted that the trial judge's ruling was entirely correct. The three-judge Court of Appeal, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, reserved judgment and will deliver its decision at a later date. The matter was adjourned.
The Prison Service has been ordered to pay €60,000 in compensation and find a suitable post for a prison officer, Kim Dempsey, who was left out of work with a chronic back injury following a serious assault on duty in 2017. The assault occurred at Midlands Prison in Co Laois, and Dempsey has required ongoing physiotherapy and pain management treatment. Despite re-training and promotion, managers insisted her only options were to retire or take a pay cut to become an administrative worker. Dempsey's lawyers argued that the Irish Prison Service's chief medical officer deemed her unfit for general duties but capable of an office job without a long commute. Dempsey used her leave to gain a qualification for a work training officer (WTO) post, but was not allowed to take up the Cloverhill position due to the need for regular prison office duties. The State argued that Dempsey was not medically capable of returning to any training officer or prison officer role.
A part-time meat factory worker has won over €40,000 in compensation for sexual harassment and employment rights breaches after her boss approached her at her home and asked for a head massage. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) adjudicator described the situation as "profoundly troubling," noting that the company director exploited the worker's financial vulnerability. The worker, who was a student in Ireland, was working part-time at Asba Meats Ltd in Shannon, Co Clare, and was relying on the company for a work permit. The tribunal heard that the worker's pay was delayed, and she was struggling to make rent and bill payments. The company director approached her on the premises and asked for her phone number, later texting her to meet at her home.
Adrienne Doyle, a mother-of-two, is challenging Bristol Myers Squibb's attempt to claw back parental leave payments she received in error. The tribunal heard that the company's eligibility criteria for enhanced parental leave was not communicated to Doyle at the time of her application, leading to an overpayment. The company initially demanded she repay €20,800 within three months, a request Doyle found unreasonable. The company later revised the amount to €2,000 less but still seeks repayment. Doyle argues that the company's failure to disclose the criteria constituted an error, and she is seeking a ruling that the payments were properly made. The tribunal is considering whether the company's actions were justified and whether the repayment demands are excessive. The case highlights the importance of clear communication of company policies to employees.
Michael Murphy, a solicitor with the Director of Public Prosecutions, brought an equality claim under the Employment Equality Act 1998 alleging discrimination because of his alcoholism. He claimed he was denied the opportunity to prepare murder cases and that his condition was not accommodated. The Workplace Relations Commission, after hearing evidence that Murphy had undergone residential treatment for alcoholism in early 2019 and had disclosed his condition to his line manager, found that his allegations were speculative. The adjudicator noted that Murphy had not formally requested a transfer or accommodation for health reasons and that his claims of unfair treatment were not supported by evidence. Consequently, the WRC rejected Murphy's claim, ruling that he had not been treated less favourably by the DPP. The decision was published on 18 November 2025.
In November 2025 the Workplace Relations Commission rejected Nico Holloway's complaint that he was penalised for whistleblowing about the condition of Citi Bus Ltd's (trading as Dublin Coach) intercity coaches. The tribunal found that Holloway had made protected disclosures under the 2014 Act, but that the company had legitimate grounds for a negative performance review and that his dismissal was not linked to those disclosures. Holloway, a South African permit worker who joined in 2023, said he raised a range of defects between October 2023 and January 2024, including a cracked windscreen, faulty wipers, and a door that flew open on the M7. He claimed the company dismissed him in January 2024 for "unsatisfactory performance" and for allegedly planning a "mass exodus" of drivers. The WRC concluded that any dispute over what constituted an urgent repair was a difference of opinion and that no whistleblower penalisation had occurred.
Five men were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for the false imprisonment and assault causing harm of Natalie Ennis at Henrietta House, Dublin 7, on September 26, 2024. All defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, with additional counts taken into consideration. Judge Pauline Codd described the incident as sadistic and cruel, noting the victim was beaten, burned, cut, and threatened. Braxton Rice, identified as the main ringleader, received a 15-year sentence, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. Sean Conroy, described as a main mover, was sentenced to 13 years, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. Mark McMahon, who facilitated the offence by providing his flat, received a 12-year sentence. His son, Mark Keogh, was jailed for nine years. Kian Walshe, who transported the victim and shared a recording of the attack, received an 11-year sentence, with the final two-and-a-half years suspended on strict conditions. The judge backdated all sentences to the date each man entered custody. She highlighted the aggravating factors, including the premediated nature of the attack and the defendants' bail status, while acknowledging their guilty pleas and personal circumstances.
Three Filipino swimming instructors recruited from the Philippines to teach in Ireland had hundreds of euros a week docked from their wages for alleged "training costs" before being dismissed. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found no evidence that the swim school spent €3,000 training each worker. The instructors were hired on the promise of a better life in Ireland, but were forced to accept pay cuts or risk termination. The WRC heard that the school had paid for work permits, visas and flights, but claimed the training cost €3,000 per worker. The school relied on agreements signed in English without translation or legal advice. The WRC ruled the deductions illegal, awarded each of the three workers €2,307.68, and ordered the school to pay a total of €11,939.53 to the group. The case was heard in Ennis, Co Clare, in November and December 2024. The company and employees remain anonymised due to parallel proceedings.
The Workplace Relations Commission heard an equality complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 brought by Viktorija Danilova against TikTok. Ms Danilova, an ad service specialist, alleged discrimination on grounds of family status and race during a collective redundancy process that eliminated 150 multilingual support roles. She claimed she was the only mother on maternity leave in her team to be made redundant and that her assignment to the Russian market was used to justify her dismissal despite her working on multiple markets. TikTok's counsel, Kiwanna Ennis BL, instructed by A&L Goodbody, argued the redundancies were driven by business rationale, specifically advancements in AI technology reducing the need for language skills. The employer stated that selection was based on the market for which employees were originally hired, a method agreed upon in collective consultations, and that Ms Danilova was treated the same as other staff in the Russian market. Ms Ennis noted that the redundancy process was paused during Ms Danilova's protective leave after she expressed unhappiness, and that the company is considering applying to have the complaints struck out. Adjudicator Pat Brady adjourned the matter to consider whether a prima facie case has been made out. If he concludes it has, the hearing will be rescheduled; if not, he will issue a decision disposing of the matter.
Michael Murphy, a solicitor at the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office since 2002 and a prosecutor since 2017, has lodged a complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 alleging discrimination because he is a recovering alcoholic. He claims the DPP denied him the opportunity to prepare a murder case and failed to transfer him out of the District Court section, which he describes as an "A&E environment." Murphy disclosed his alcoholism to his line manager after a seven‑week residential treatment in early 2019, stating he had been dealing with anxiety, depression and sleepless nights related to court work. He has sought a less court‑heavy post since February 2021 but has not succeeded. The DPP's chief prosecution solicitor, Helena Kiely, acknowledged awareness of his condition but cited pandemic staffing pressures and the need to staff a sexual offences unit as reasons for not granting a transfer.
The High Court has ruled that Michelle Keane, an unsuccessful Independent Dáil candidate in Kerry, is out of time to challenge the November 2024 General Election result. Ms Keane, of Talbot Bridge, Knocknagoshel, claimed she witnessed ballots being torn from boxes at the Toureencahill polling station. She sought an order to release the marked register of electors and halt the destruction of election documents, naming the Clerk of the Dáil, the Irish Government, and Returning Officer Padraig Burke as respondents. Mr Justice Garrett Simons refused leave to present the election petition, noting that the 14-day limit under the Electoral Act 1992 had expired. The election was declared on November 30, 2024, but Ms Keane's application was not moved until March 7. The judge stated that Ms Keane was aware of her complaint on the night of the poll and that this was not a case of concealed fraud. He described her as "entirely unsuccessful" in the proceedings. Separately, last December, Ms Keane was jailed at Listowel Circuit Civil Court for refusing to comply with an injunction order prohibiting her from posting online about Listowel Garda Sergeant Melanie Walsh. She was released by Killarney Circuit Civil Court on December 13 after signing an undertaking to desist from such postings.
Michelle Keane, an unsuccessful Independent candidate in the Kerry General Election, appeared before the High Court to seek the setting aside of the election result. She alleged that she witnessed ballot papers being torn from boxes at a polling station on November 29, 2024, and requested access to the marked register of electors under the Electoral Act 1992. Mr Justice Garret Simons noted that any petition against an election should have been initiated within 28 days of polling day, which had passed. He reserved his judgment until Tuesday. Separately, regarding a distinct matter, Ms Keane was jailed at Listowel Circuit Civil Court on December 11 for refusing to comply with an injunction order prohibiting her from posting online about Listowel Garda Sergeant Melanie Walsh. This followed a July order from Ennis Circuit Civil Court requiring the removal of such posts. Although Ms Keane submitted an affidavit claiming she was not in breach, the court found otherwise. She was subsequently released by Killarney Circuit Civil Court on December 13 after signing an undertaking to desist from making further online statements about the sergeant.
A 50-year-old woman, November Phelan, was sentenced to six years imprisonment with the final year suspended for a period of three years, on the condition that she remain under the supervision of the probation services and engage with counselling and addiction services. The sentence was passed by Mr Justice Paul Burns at the Central Criminal Court following a validated procedural stage of sentence. Phelan had pleaded guilty to manslaughter when she was arraigned before the court. The court heard that Phelan had been in a relationship with the deceased, David Ennis, and that both had significant problems involving long-term substance abuse. Mr Justice Burns noted that Phelan had acted in self-defence in response to an anticipated attack from Ennis. The judge acknowledged Phelan's guilty plea, her expression of remorse, and her long-term struggle with drug addiction and depression. The matter was not adjourned and was finalised with the sentence being backdated to October 27, 2023, when Phelan went into custody.
A 50-year-old woman, November Phelan, was remanded in custody until March 3, when she will be sentenced, following a sentence hearing at the Central Criminal Court. Phelan pleaded guilty to manslaughter when she was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, admitting to the charge of manslaughter when she fatally stabbed her partner, David Ennis (36), in a Dublin apartment. The court heard that Phelan used excessive force in self-defence, claiming she was in 'total fear' and did not intend to kill him. The incident occurred in the early hours of November 8, 2022, at Claddagh Court in Ballyfermot. The court was informed that Phelan and Ennis had been in a relationship for two to three years, during which drugs were a significant factor. The deceased had a history of drug use and had suffered a fall from a balcony a few days before the incident. CCTV footage showed Ennis arriving at Claddagh Court at 11.30pm on November 7, and Phelan arriving around 1.20am on the morning of November 8. The court heard that Phelan had a history of 26 previous convictions, mostly for public order offences and non-appearance before court. The matter was adjourned and will be finalised on March 3, when the sentence will be determined.
A 49‑year‑old woman from Aylward Green, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of David Ennis, 36, who was found dead in a Dublin apartment on 8 November 2022. The case was originally charged as murder at Claddagh Court, Ballyfermot, but the woman admitted manslaughter at her arraignment before the Central Criminal Court. Mr Justice Paul McDermott has scheduled sentencing for 4 February.
In a sentencing hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Annette Keane, mother of 34‑year‑old motorcyclist John Keane, delivered a victim impact statement after her son was killed in a collision with a car driven by Karl Ennis on 14 April 2021. Ennis pleaded guilty to careless driving. The court disqualified him from driving for three months and fined him €2,000. Judge Pauline Codd noted Ennis's lack of attention and the serious consequences of a momentary lapse, while also acknowledging the family's forgiving attitude. Ennis, who had no prior convictions, was cooperative with Gardaí and had retired after the incident. The hearing included testimony about the collision, Ennis's apology, and the family's profound loss. The judge extended legal aid for any appeal and directed the fine to be paid within 12 months.
A 17‑year‑old woman was raped by Geoffrey Kumah, 27, whom she had befriended online. She told the Central Criminal Court that after the assault she felt she had to "act normal" for her own safety. Kumah had sent a friend request on Facebook, communicated via Snapchat, and arranged to meet her at his residence. He raped her after consensual kissing, despite her repeatedly telling him she did not want intercourse and attempting to stop him. The victim's impact statement described her ongoing trauma, her need to seek help from a friend and counsellor, and her fear of further exposure during the court process. The judge, Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, sentenced Kumah to seven years' imprisonment with the final six months suspended, after a headline sentence of eight and a half years. The sentence considered Kumah's lack of prior convictions, family situation, and cooperation with Gardaí. The victim's statement was praised for its eloquence and bravery.
The directors of the Sunyata Retreat Centre CLG in Co Clare deny that former chair Jan Ebbs was removed from the board in 2023 because she raised concerns about the charity's tax affairs and employment law compliance. The centre says it has always been tax‑compliant, citing an audit by the Revenue Commissioners that confirmed no further liability would be pursued. Ms Ebbs, who was voted off the board in late 2022, has filed complaints under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 and the Charities Act 2009 alleging that the directors penalised her for voicing concerns about the lack of a written contract for an employee, missing PRSI contributions and the charity's "taxation governance." In a preliminary hearing, the board's spokesperson said no director recalled any phone call or in‑person conversation with Ms Ebbs about her alleged protected disclosures.
An Applegreen service station manager, Graham Price, was dismissed for gross misconduct after an audit revealed a Polish woman had worked four months without wages and was not registered on payroll. The audit, conducted by Applegreen's regional manager Keith Ennis in February 2022, found discrepancies between point‑of‑sale records and payroll, indicating a possible ghost employee. Ennis questioned the assistant manager about the worker's status, noting she had not been paid for 16 weeks. Price's lawyers argued the delay in onboarding was due to the worker's lack of a PPS number and a backlog following the HSE cyber‑attack. They claimed Price had made best efforts to assist her and that the dismissal was unfair under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973. The tribunal adjourned the case for a later hearing.
The 78‑year‑old widower John O'Neill, former owner of a Lisdoonvarna bed and breakfast, was found dead in his kitchen on 6 January 2024. Garda Louise Keogh and a colleague entered the house after a call about a suspected altercation the previous night. They discovered O'Neill's severely beaten body, with facial injuries, a pool of blood at the top of his head, a broken vase, a damaged laptop and scattered bank and social services cards. The scene suggested a "personal" killing. Witnesses identified Thomas Lorigan, 56, as the man who had stayed overnight at Lorigan's home the night before and who was later arrested for assault causing serious harm. Lorigan was detained at Ennis Garda Station after a DNA sample was taken. The case remains a murder investigation, with the prosecution presenting forensic evidence linking Lorigan to the assault and death of O'Neill. The trial has not yet concluded.
During the trial of Thomas Lorigan, accused of murdering his 78‑year‑old uncle John O'Neill, the court heard that Lorigan, who was arrested for assault causing serious harm, was questioned by Gardaí about blood on his clothing. In an inference interview, Lorigan was told that a failure to explain the presence of blood could lead a jury to draw an inference. When asked to account for blood on his black boots and blue jeans seized from Gleann Bhreandain, he replied "no comment." Forensic evidence showed the boots and jeans contained DNA from both Lorigan and O'Neill, and the jeans' lower leg matched O'Neill's profile. Lorigan was also asked about a box of alcoholic drinks seized from the uncle's house, to which he again made no comment. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. Thomas Lorigan pleaded not guilty.
Yong Yue Wang, a former Dublin Bus driver, was dismissed in September 2022 after the company found he had used a mobile phone while driving twice in under a year, breaching its zero‑tolerance policy. The Workplace Relations Commission heard Wang's claim under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, seeking reinstatement. Wang had previously received a final written warning and a three‑day unpaid suspension for an earlier incident in November 2021. In July 2022, a chief inspector reported seeing Wang holding a phone while driving a 15B bus on Townsend Street; Wang maintained the phone was in his pocket or had fallen off the dashboard. The tribunal noted procedural concerns, including language barriers and the lack of CCTV evidence, and the adjudicator said a decision would be issued in weeks. Wang has since obtained a taxi licence and is earning about €700 a week.
Paul Collopy, 48, of Ennis, Co Clare, had a four‑year suspended sentence for money laundering in 2017. He was caught again laundering €67,900 in July 2014, and the suspended term was reactivated after a further offence in November 2020. In that offence, he was observed tampering with a car's bonnet at Carnally House, Clare Castle, and €16,695 was recovered from the vehicle's air filter. Judge Francis Comerford imposed a five‑year, four‑month sentence in October 2023. Collopy also serves a ten‑year sentence from a 2022 conviction for possession of €50,000 worth of cannabis. The court activated two years of the suspended four‑year term, making it consecutive to the 64‑month sentence, after the judge concluded that Collopy had not learned his lesson. Paul Collopy pleaded guilty.
In a discrimination claim, the Workplace Relations Commission ruled that the National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) was entitled to refuse admission to Sarah Holmes and four other protestors at its 2022 AGM. The NWCI cited a "potentially explosive situation" after a press release from the activist group 'The Countess' threatened a transgender board member. The council had warned the hotel, rearranged registration, and escorted a TD and the board member. Witnesses reported that protestors, including Holmes, were vocal and that the council's risk mitigation measures were necessary. Holmes claimed the refusal was religious discrimination, but the tribunal found no discrimination and upheld the council's decision to bar the group. The case was heard behind closed doors, with the tribunal's findings made public.
Tony McInerney, a convicted drug dealer and leader of a large network in Co Clare, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court to a consecutive 27 years in prison. The court heard that McInerney, who pleaded guilty in July to the attempted murder of Daniel Harty Junior in Sixmilebridge in January 2020, will serve a 17-year term for that offence. This sentence runs consecutively to a ten-year term he is already serving for running a cocaine factory, a sentence originally set at 12 years but reduced by the Court of Appeal. McInerney also pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and making threats to kill, receiving five years for each charge to run concurrently with the attempted murder sentence. The judge described the incident as "gangland thuggery and violence," noting that the attack, allegedly linked to a drug debt and personal animosity, terrorised the public. An innocent bystander was shot in the buttock, while Harty Junior suffered three gunshot wounds, losing the use of his left arm. The judge highlighted the planned nature of the crime, involving a vehicle stored for a month, and the indifference shown to bystanders. McInerney's previous convictions and the high level of criminality necessitated the consecutive sentencing structure.
Tony McInerney, the appellant, appeared before the Central Criminal Court at a sentence hearing for offences committed in January 2020. McInerney, who the court heard was the leader of a large drug network in Co Clare, pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Daniel Harty Junior, intentionally or recklessly discharging a firearm, and making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Harty Junior. The court heard that McInerney was initially jailed for 12 years for running a "cocaine factory" in 2020, a sentence later reduced to ten years by the Court of Appeal. During the current proceedings, Detective Sergeant Kevin O'Hagan detailed how McInerney and another man fired shots at Harty Junior during a music festival in Sixmilebridge, injuring an innocent bystander in the buttocks. McInerney was arrested in 2021 and has 13 previous convictions, including possession of explosives. Defence counsel Michael Collins SC submitted that McInerney had pleaded guilty early and apologized to society. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded McInerney in custody until next Monday, when he will be sentenced.
Moyrock Properties Limited applied to the High Court to stop a couple, Joseph and Margret Cooney, from using a hidden garden on land it bought in 2021 for over €1.6 million. The company said the garden, only visible by drone, was built on its property and that the Cooneys were trespassing. Moyrock requested an injunction but suggested a one‑month stay to allow the couple to harvest. In a separate case, Moyrock sued four other individuals—Garry Regan, Raymond Walsh, Philip O'Gorman and Anthony Dolan—who it says were occupying a part of the land near a structure called the 'Blue Shed'. The defendants claimed a lease, which Moyrock denied, noting no formal agreement or rent had been paid. The court granted the Cooneys' request for short notice of the injunction and ordered the case to return in August, while the other proceedings were also scheduled for a next‑month hearing.
The High Court has granted partial leave for a challenge to a 2022 decision by An Bord Pleanala that approved a motorway service station near Ennis, Co Clare, for businessman Pat McDonagh. Judge Richard Humphreys allowed engineer Michael Duffy to seek to overturn the decision, provided he amends and serves the grounds of the challenge within a few weeks. Duffy argues the development will harm the local environment, citing a lack of an Appropriate Assessment under EU law and no evidence that wastewater would affect Special Areas of Conservation. The court declined leave on other grounds raised in 2022 and dismissed a 2021 judicial review where Duffy challenged Clare County Council's planning permission. Clare County Council and McDonagh are to be notice parties, not respondents. The case will return to court at a later date.
Tony McInerney, a 27‑year‑old former resident of Glenina, Gort Road, Ennis, Co Clare, has admitted to two new offences after previously pleading guilty to attempted murder. He was arraigned on a charge that on 18 January 2020 at Pound Street, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, he intentionally or recklessly discharged a firearm, creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another. He was also arraigned on a charge that between 1 January 2019 and 18 January 2020 at Inis Eagla, Shannon, Co Clare, he threatened to kill or cause serious harm to Daniel Harty Snr, intending Mr Harty Snr to believe the threat would be carried out. McInerney pleaded guilty to both charges. He had previously pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Daniel Harty Jnr on 18 January 2020 and was jailed for 12 years, later reduced to ten years by the Court of Appeal. The judge set a sentencing hearing for 16 October.
In a High Court application, John and Mary Lyons, who run 'The Hungry Lyons' fast‑food restaurant on Limerick's Ennis Road, allege that Supermac's founder Pat McDonagh is attempting to destroy their business. The couple claim that the premises, owned by Supermacs Ireland Ltd, is leased to them under a 20‑year agreement secured in 2018 that includes a non‑compete clause preventing the landlord from assigning or sub‑letting the adjoining Funworld property to any fast‑food operator. They contend that Supermac's and Mr McDonagh have breached this clause by installing cooking and storage facilities at Funworld and selling fast food from there, including advertising children's birthday parties with Supermac's food. The Lyons seek injunctions to stop the defendants from selling fast food and from letting the property to other fast‑food operators, pending the full hearing. The defendants deny any breach of the lease or planning regulations.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that it had jurisdiction to hear a complaint by former Kuwaiti Embassy staff member Fozia Rafiq under the Protection of Employees (Fixed‑Term Work) Act 2003. Rafiq, who worked as an administrator for Kuwaiti students in Ireland from 4 February 2020 to 3 February 2021, claimed she was treated less favourably because her contract was not renewed. The embassy sought to invoke sovereign immunity, arguing Rafiq was a consular officer and that the WRC lacked jurisdiction. The embassy's barrister cited a 1992 Supreme Court decision on a Canadian ambassador's chauffeur, while Rafiq's solicitor argued that she was a low‑paid, routine administrative employee with no managerial discretion. The WRC's adjudicating officer, Máire Mulcahy, noted that the case law cited by Kuwait had been overtaken by the 2004 UN Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities and that Ireland was bound by customary international law.
The Workplace Relations Commission ordered Clare county coroner Isobel O'Dea to pay over €8,000 in compensation to former legal secretary Mary McInerney for unfair dismissal, in addition to a statutory redundancy lump sum. McInerney had worked for O'Dea since 2008, receiving a day rate of €120 for seven hours, and was placed on layoff in April 2020 during the Covid‑19 pandemic. She claimed she was not asked to return to work and that she had only been offered a redundancy package in October 2021, which she accepted because she felt she had no other option. O'Dea denied that McInerney had requested redundancy, stating she had facilitated it. The tribunal found that O'Dea made no effort to consult McInerney about her role, presented redundancy as a fait accompli, and that McInerney was unfairly dismissed under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977.
Inita Romanovska, 36, was due before the Central Criminal Court for a sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to attempting to cause serious harm to Stephen O'Flaherty, whom she met on Tinder. The alleged incident occurred on 11 March 2020 at an apartment complex on Henry St, Limerick. Romanovska, residing at Cahercalla, Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co Clare, had originally been charged with attempting to murder O'Flaherty. Her lawyer, Michael Bowman SC, confirmed she did not attend the hearing and was unreachable by phone. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon issued a bench warrant and postponed the sentencing hearing.
Tony McInerney, 27, a former drug dealer from Glenina, Gort Road, Ennis, admitted to attempting to murder Daniel Harty Jnr on 18 January 2020 at Pound Street, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare. He pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court. McInerney had previously been convicted of running a cocaine factory and was sentenced to 12 years in prison in May 2021, a term later reduced by two years on appeal. He also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply and to possessing crime cash on 23 September 2020. The judge described him as "at the top of the pyramid" of the Clare drug scene and noted his status as a target of the divisional drugs unit. The case is set for mention on 10 July, with McInerney remanded in custody. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon ordered a victim impact statement to be prepared by that date.
Tony McInerney, a 27‑year‑old drug dealer from Ennis, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in May 2021 for possession of cocaine for sale and for possessing €4,500 in proceeds of crime. The judge imposed an 11‑year term for the drug offence and a three‑year term for the cash offence, with the final two years of the cash sentence suspended. McInerney was caught "red‑handed" at a property in Kilfilum where he was mixing cocaine, wearing orange gloves and holding a bag of the drug. Gardaí seized mixing agents, a weighing scale, a knife, a blender, €2.5K in cash and an estimated €50K worth of cocaine. In September 2020, he pleaded guilty to both charges. On appeal, the Court of Appeal quashed the original sentence and re‑sentenced him to a total of 10 years' imprisonment, with no portion of either sentence suspended, back‑dated to the date of his first arrest.
Four speed‑van operators claimed they were denied shift breaks because they had to constantly monitor camera systems. Their union representative argued that the vans lacked toilets or canteens and that tight scheduling left no time for lunch or welfare breaks. The operators, Niall Walsh, Tony Roche, Richard Free and Kevin O'Brien, filed complaints under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. The Workplace Relations Commission tribunal rejected the claims. In the hearing, Mr Walsh testified that he had to monitor weather conditions to adjust photo clarity, making a 15‑minute break impossible, and that he tried to take breaks between surveillance sessions but found it extremely difficult. The company's barrister, Kevin Bell, noted that operators were not required to watch weather conditions and that speed detections were carried out by the apparatus. The company's general manager, Pat McGuire, said operators only had to occasionally check the equipment and that technology took over once set up.
Inita Romanovska, a 36‑year‑old single mother from Latvia living in Ennis, was charged with attempting to murder Stephen O'Flaherty after an incident at an apartment complex on Henry Street, Limerick, on 11 March 2020. The original indictment included a charge of attempted murder, but at the court's mention she pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of intentionally trying to cause serious harm. The case had been delayed for over two years due to a pandemic‑related backlog. Her defence barrister, Mr Michael Bowman SC, informed Judge Paul McDermott that Romanovska could be arraigned on the second count of the indictment. The judge accepted a request for a pre‑sentence report and directed a victim impact report. Romanovska remains on bail, with her trial date vacated and a sentencing hearing scheduled for 23 May. The incident involved a man she had met on Tinder, and they had gone on several dates but were not in a relationship.
Ross Donoghue, a 31‑year‑old former resident of Northway Estate in Finglas, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted robbery in the Malahide area on 28 June 2020. He tried to rob a 16‑year‑old girl and a 64‑year‑old man on the same morning. The girl was forced to remove her earphones when Donoghue demanded her phone and threatened to stab her; she escaped after Donoghue fell. The man, Robert Ennis, was tackled by Donoghue, who kicked him several times. Ennis suffered facial bruising and mild orbital swelling. Donoghue had a long record of convictions for assault, criminal damage, attempted robbery, drug possession and obstruction, and was on bail at the time of the offence. Judge Martin Nolan, after noting Donoghue's remorse and admissions, imposed a custodial sentence of 21 months, consecutive to his current term, citing his long‑standing addictions and prior convictions as aggravating factors. The sentence was delivered on 15 February 2023.