Court archive
Court reports mentioning Doneraile, Cork
2024-01-24 · Kerry
A financial fund, Mars Capital Finance Ireland Designated Activity Company, has applied to the High Court for an injunction to order several alleged trespassers to vacate a property at Rosehill Avenue, Firies, Co Kerry. The fund claims that in September last year attempts to take possession of the property were thwarted by the presence of several known and unknown individuals, including defendants Martina Moriarty, Sinead O'Connor, Brian McCarthy, Colman McCarthy, Donal O'Sullivan and others. Ms O'Connor, the only defendant to appear, maintains she has a valid tenancy and disputes all claims. Mars seeks a swift determination, arguing that Ms O'Connor's separate proceedings are intended to delay the injunction. The judge has set a timetable for document exchange and will hear the case again early next month. The property was subject to a 2007 mortgage, possession proceedings were initiated in 2016, and a possession order was granted in 2018.
2022-12-14 · Cork
Michael Leonard, aged 63, was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering 72‑year‑old Mary O'Keeffe by burning her alive in a car fire at Doneraile, Co Cork, on 4 February last year. Leonard had met O'Keeffe at a wooded area, poured two gallons of petrol into her car and set it on fire shortly after she arrived. A post‑mortem confirmed she was alive when the fire started and that her death was caused by extreme third‑degree burns and inhalation of carbon monoxide. O'Keeffe, a widow and cook, had known Leonard since 2016 and had ended their relationship in 2019. Leonard, who had no prior convictions, was found in the River Awbeg the day after the murder and was arrested the following day. The court described the attack as the most horrific fire‑related murder and expressed condolences to O'Keeffe's family. The sentencing judge imposed the mandatory life term for murder.
2022-11-28 · Cork
Michael Leonard, 63, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to murdering 72‑year‑old Mary O'Keeffe in Doneraile, Co. Cork, on 4 February 2021. His body was found in a burning car. Leonard was denied bail and remains in custody. The court adjourned sentencing to 14 December to allow the family to give an impact statement. No evidence of the murder was heard at the arraignment. Leonard, a former Coillte employee, stated he would not approach any witness or speak to anyone about the case except his solicitor. The post‑mortem, conducted by Assistant State Pathologist Margaret Bolster, was not released. O'Keeffe, a cook from Dromahane, is survived by her three sons. The case is pending sentencing.
2021-05-06 · Cork
Michael Leonard, 63, of Hillcrest, Glenosheen, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, was denied bail by the High Court after being accused of murdering 72‑year‑old Mary O'Keeffe in Doneraile, Co Cork, on 4 February 2021. Leonard appeared at the hearing by video‑link. Detective Sergeant James O'Shea, of Fermoy Garda Station, argued that the evidence was strong, the charge serious, and that Leonard might interfere with witnesses. He described the scene where a burning vehicle was found at 2.20 pm on 4 February, containing Ms O'Keeffe's body. Leonard's defence, led by Mr Marc Thompson Grolimund BL, highlighted his client's 41‑year work record with Coillte and his recent retirement, and offered a €10,000 bond and a vacant property address for bail if granted. Mr Leonard pledged not to approach witnesses. Judge Robert Eager cited the "appalling" death and the seriousness of the murder charge in denying bail.