Court archive
Court reports mentioning Ballinasloe, Galway
2026-04-21 · Galway
Two men have been jailed for a combined nine years following the discovery of cannabis grow houses in Co Galway. Aloyzas Bukantus, 45, of Church Street, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, pleaded guilty at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to possession of drugs for sale or supply and money laundering. Tomas Dumbliavskas, 31, from Lithuania, pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis. The offences occurred on 13 March 2024 at properties in Skehana South near Ballinasloe and Tallavnamraher, Creggs. Gardaí executed simultaneous search warrants, recovering cannabis plants and herb with a combined estimated value of €415,000. Dumbliavskas was discovered hiding in a partition wall; Bukantus was present at the other premises. Judge Eoin Garavan sentenced Dumbliavskas to four years, suspending the final twelve months on condition he leave the jurisdiction within two weeks of release. Bukantus received seven years, with the final year suspended for two years, and was placed under probation supervision for one year post-release.
2026-03-23 · Galway
Ethan Casey received a fully suspended four-year sentence after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply at his Ballinasloe home. The judge cited Casey's addiction, early plea and cooperation while warning about the harm of dealing and noting prison overcrowding. Ethan Casey was convicted.
2026-03-23 · Galway
Gary Stephens received a suspended four-month sentence after admitting assault causing harm to a garda in Ballinasloe. The court heard about his long Defence Forces career, rehabilitation after the incident, remorse and €7,000 payment offered to the injured officer.
2025-10-31 · Kildare
A judge warned that a custodial sentence is inevitable for former hurler DJ Carey, who defrauded nearly €400,000 from 13 complainants, including Denis O'Brien, by pretending to have cancer. Carey, 54, was remanded into custody pending sentencing. He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dishonestly inducing people to pay money, with an additional 10 counts considered. The court heard that Carey obtained €394,127 and $13,000 US dollars, repaid €44,200, leaving €349,927 and $13,000 outstanding. He claimed to need funds for treatment in Seattle and a HSE medical claim, but investigations found no evidence of cancer treatment or HSE claims. The judge noted the victims' generosity and said the sentence would be "inevitable.".
2025-10-29 · Kildare
DJ Carey, aged 50, was due to be sentenced for 10 counts of dishonestly inducing people to pay him money after fraudulently claiming to have cancer. The sentencing hearing was adjourned to Friday because Carey did not appear in court; he is currently at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe, awaiting a bed. He presented a medical note to the court, and Gardaí confirmed his presence but could not verify his inpatient status. The prosecution, led by Dominic McGinn SC, noted that one count of deception was struck out, while the remaining counts, including two for using a false instrument, would be considered by the judge. Carey's case involves 13 complainants and was originally set for a four‑week trial. He has a history of significant health issues, including heart surgery last summer, and has requested legal aid and a psychological report for sentencing. Dj Carey pleaded guilty.
2025-07-31 · Galway
Darius Langas, 37, of Ballinasloe, was convicted after a week‑long trial at the Central Criminal Court for raping a woman in a bathroom. He denied the charge on 13 August 2022 but was found guilty. Mr Justice Tony Hunt sentenced him to ten years, with the final twelve months suspended on strict conditions for five years. The victim, who was drinking with Langas and another man before the assault, was pushed into a bathtub and raped from behind. She reported extensive injuries and later provided a victim impact statement detailing anxiety, depression, nightmares, panic attacks, and the loss of her children. Langas admitted the act but claimed it was consensual. The judge noted the seriousness of the offence and imposed the suspended sentence, placing Langas under probation supervision for three years post‑release. The court expressed hope for the victim's recovery.
2025-07-21 · Galway
A man with over 70 previous road traffic convictions has been sentenced to five years' imprisonment for dangerous driving causing the death of a pregnant woman at Galway Circuit Criminal Court. Frank Barrett, aged 44, of Ballybane, Galway, was driving a car in which Irene Lynch was a passenger when it crashed into a wall and became submerged in water near Menlo in the early hours of March 2024. Ms Lynch, who was 17 weeks pregnant, died in hospital a week later from a hypoxic brain injury, as did her unborn daughter. Barrett was disqualified from driving at the time of the incident and had consumed significant quantities of alcohol and cocaine. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, drink driving and driving without insurance. Judge Brian O'Callaghan imposed a headline sentence of eight years, reduced to six years with the final 12 months suspended for three years, citing Barrett's early guilty plea and remorse as mitigating factors. Barrett was disqualified from driving for ten years and fined €1,500.
2024-04-12 · Galway
John Joseph Devaney, aged 65, was convicted of rape and indecent assault against a 24‑year‑old deaf woman in 1985. The offence occurred in a rural caravan between September and November 1985. Devaney, a paramedic, denies the verdict and maintains his innocence. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described feeling scared, sick, dirty, confused, embarrassed and sad. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, imposed a sentence of eight years and six months for rape and six years for indecent assault, with both sentences running concurrently and back‑dated to his entry into custody in January. Devaney's work history and lack of prior sexual convictions were noted as mitigating factors, but no guilty plea was entered. The victim's impact statement highlighted the severe impact on her independence and psychological well‑being. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court in December 2023 and the sentence was announced on 12 April 2024.
2024-02-20 · Galway
Deirdre O'Grady, a cancer survivor with chemotherapy‑induced nerve damage, filed a complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 against the Health Service Executive (HSE). She had been promised a full‑time office role in Tuam after her treatment, but when the Covid‑19 pandemic began in 2020 she was redeployed to Ballinasloe and required to work full‑time in a kitchen, contrary to medical advice. The HSE argued it had adhered to medical recommendations and that occupational health reports deemed her fit for the duties. The tribunal found the HSE had made some efforts but failed to meet its legal obligations for reasonable accommodation. The adjudicating officer awarded O'Grady €5,000 for disability discrimination, while rejecting a claim for extra mileage compensation as an unreasonable burden on the employer.
2023-04-25 · Galway
A High Court judicial review challenge against a proposed waste transfer station in East County Galway has been withdrawn because the planning permission for the development expired in January. The proceedings were brought by a group of local residents, including Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan, against Galway County Council's decision to grant a permit to Bruscar Bhearna Teoranta, trading as Barna Recycling. The applicants alleged that the council failed to carry out a screening for an Appropriate Assessment or determine if an Environmental Impact Assessment was required. They claimed the development, located at Poolboy in Ballinasloe, posed risks to the River Suck Callows, a designated Special Protection Area, and that the council did not properly consider EU Habitats directives regarding emissions. Counsel for the residents, Evan O'Donnell BL, informed the court that the case was now moot due to the permission's expiration. The presiding judge agreed to strike out the proceedings. The developers were a notice party to the action. This follows a history where a 2019 permit was quashed by the High Court and remitted for reconsideration; the council subsequently refused permission in 2020 before granting a new permit in March 2022, which was the subject of this withdrawn challenge.
2023-03-30 · Galway
The trial of Michael Scott, accused of murdering his aunt Chrissie Treacy by running her over with an agricultural teleporter, ended with an acquittal. The jury, after nearly 15 hours of deliberation, rejected the prosecution's claim that Scott deliberately killed his 76‑year‑old aunt out of entitlement and revenge. Instead, they found that Scott's actions were grossly negligent, describing the incident as a tragic accident. Scott, 58, had previously denied any intent to kill and had stated that he was simply reversing when he saw his aunt on the ground. The judge noted Scott's inappropriate remarks toward a witness but allowed him to remain on bail pending further proceedings. No conviction or sentencing was recorded in the article. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-10 · Galway
Michael Scott, 58, of Gortanumera, Portumna, Co Galway, pleaded not guilty to murder after his 76‑year‑old aunt, Ms Treacy, died when he allegedly ran her over with a JCB on 27 April 2018. In court, Scott said he did not realise he could call 999 for an ambulance and that he thought his aunt would survive. He denied deliberately rolling over her a second time and claimed the incident was an accident. Scott said he did not help her up because he needed someone with him and that he had called his friend Francis Hardiman for help. He denied any intent to kill and said he did not want his aunt to die. The trial, hearing the prosecution's case that the run‑over was deliberate, continues next week before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury.
2023-03-01 · Galway
Michael Scott, aged 58, denies murdering his aunt Chrissie Treacy after a land dispute. He had been renting 40 acres at Kiltormer from Treacy and jointly owned 140 acres at Derryhiney. In early 2017, agricultural consultant Declan McHugh was hired by Treacy to lease the Kiltormer land. Two weeks before Treacy's death in April 2018, McHugh instructed Scott not to request farm payments for three portions of the Derryhiney land, which Treacy intended to claim. McHugh warned that losing 110 acres would reduce Scott's herd by 110 cows and cut EU single farm payments, causing significant financial hardship. The prosecution alleges Scott deliberately ran over Treacy in a tractor; his lawyers claim it was a tragic accident. The case is heard before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs with a jury of 15. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-02-14 · Galway
Michael Scott, aged 58, denies murdering his aunt Chrissie Treacy. In a Central Criminal Court hearing, he was reported to have held a gun while discussing "troubles with Chrissie" and saying, "I hope there's none of them people does cross me," allegedly referring to Regina Donohue's family. The prosecution alleges that Scott deliberately ran over Treacy after a long‑running land dispute. Scott's relationship with Donohue had been good but deteriorated over land and lease issues. Donohue, who had worked with the Treacy family, testified that Treacy's financial situation was poor and that she had been under stress, including the disappearance of her dog. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs with a jury of fifteen. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2022-10-21 · Galway
Michael O'Donoghue, aged 43, received a ten‑year prison sentence with the final six months suspended for five years after the Court of Appeal quashed his original five‑year term. The appeal was prompted by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argued the sentence was too lenient for the gravity of the offences. O'Donoghue pleaded guilty to 31 counts of sexual assault, one count of rape and one count of producing child pornography against his daughter, Aimee Foley, aged 12 to 17 during the period 2012‑2018. The Court of Appeal found his conduct egregious, noting he gave her alcohol and drugs, showed her pornography, filmed the abuse and threatened her. The judge set a headline sentence of twelve years for the rape, reduced to seven with two years suspended, and imposed concurrent sentences of three and four years for the other assault counts. The final sentence was back‑dated to 14 April 2021.
2021-12-13 · Galway
Michael O'Donoghue, aged 43, was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, for raping and sexually abusing his 19‑year‑old daughter, Aimee Foley, over a six‑year period. The Central Criminal Court heard that O'Donoghue supplied Foley with alcohol and drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, before sexually assaulting her during access visits to his home. He pleaded guilty to 31 counts of sexual assault, one count of rape and one count of producing child pornography. Foley, who was aged between 12 and 17 at the time of the abuse, gave a victim impact statement in which she described the emotional and physical abuse she endured. The judge noted mitigating factors such as O'Donoghue's early admission to Gardaí and his current low risk of re‑offending. The sentence was back‑dated to his arrest in April 2019.
2020-06-18 · Galway
Mary Walsh has applied to the High Court for permission to sue An Post National Lottery Company, which is in liquidation, alleging negligence regarding advice given on her €3.3m Lotto win. The application before Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington is opposed. Mrs Walsh claims a lottery representative advised that gifts to others should be exempt from tax if those persons signed the winning ticket. She alleges she was not informed of the full implications, leading her and five others, including her stepson David Walsh and her late husband's nephew Kevin Black, to sign the ticket. This resulted in litigation against her. The company argues the application should have been filed when proceedings began in 2016 and that the claim is bound to fail given a prior High Court judgment critical of Mrs Walsh. Counsel for Mrs Walsh, John Shortt SC, argued she should be allowed to bring the claim after changing solicitors. The judge reserved her decision. In the underlying dispute, Mr Justice Humphreys ruled in 2017 that David Walsh was entitled to a one-sixth share of the ticket, ordering Mrs Walsh to pay him €560,000 plus costs. Mrs Walsh appealed, but in 2018 the Court of Appeal was informed the action was resolved entirely, with her appeal allowed as part of a settlement. Mrs Walsh had claimed David Walsh accepted her and her late husband Peter Walsh's house in lieu of €200,000, a claim he denied.
2020-02-25 · Louth
A man accused of involvement in a violent extortion has been granted bail at the Special Criminal Court, despite garda objections. William Twomey, aged 56, from Warrenpoint, County Down, faces charges relating to the alleged attack and false imprisonment of Edward McAndrew at a farmhouse in Omeath, County Louth on 2 December 2017. He is also charged with robbery and making an unwarranted demand for €50,000 with menaces. A second defendant, Anthony Finglas, aged 49, also from Warrenpoint, had his bail application refused on the grounds that he posed a risk of committing further offences and interfering with witnesses. Twomey was released on condition that he provide a €14,000 surety, sign on daily at Ballinasloe Garda Station between 8am and 8pm, avoid interfering with witnesses, and remain outside County Mayo. Both men have been remanded in custody since their separate arrests on 11 February.
2020-01-30 · Galway
In a High Court hearing on 30 January 2020, Mr Justice Brian O'Moore imposed a 14‑year and three‑month disqualification on Kevin Rabbitte, director of Westman Plant and Civils Limited, for his role in a €1.2 million VAT fraud. Rabbitte admitted to a carefully coordinated scheme that used the company's VAT number to purchase machinery from the UK between July 2014 and June 2015, then sell it in Ireland without paying the due VAT. The fraud, described as a carousel or Missing Trader Intra‑Community VAT fraud, resulted in Revenue being defrauded of €1.2 million. Rabbitte had consented to a declaration that he knowingly defrauded the company's creditors, including Revenue, and to be personally responsible for €1.5 million of the company's debts. He received a 5 % discount on the maximum 15‑year disqualification allowed under the 2014 Companies Act because of his admissions and consent to orders before the hearing.
2020-01-28 · Galway
The High Court is being asked to impose the longest possible disqualification on Kevin Rabbitte, former director of Westman Plant and Civils Limited, for his role in a €8m VAT fraud scheme. The company, liquidated in 2017, used its VAT number to import machinery from the UK between July 2014 and June 2015, failing to pay VAT when the goods were sold in Ireland. Rabbitte allegedly acted on behalf of an unnamed third party, bidding at UK auctions, acquiring goods under Westman's VAT number, and receiving a commission. The liquidator, Mr Myles Kirby, seeks disqualification, while Rabbitte, represented by solicitor Robert Dore, has consented to orders making him personally liable for €1.5m of the company's debts and to a declaration of intent to defraud creditors. The court will decide the disqualification period after hearing the parties' submissions.
2019-11-21 · Louth
In a High Court case, Daniel Lannon (49) sought damages and declarations from the Minister for Social Protection after a former department official passed his personal data to a private detective hired by solicitors for AIB bank. Lannon claimed the data breach occurred on 22 August 2014 when Ms Caitriona Bracken accessed his address at Colpe View, Drogheda, and supplied it to investigator Michael Ryan, who was also her brother‑in‑law. Ryan was employed by a solicitor's firm representing AIB, which used the address to serve legal proceedings on Lannon. Lannon had not provided the Drogheda address to the bank, using instead a property he owned in Malahide. After AIB sent correspondence to the Drogheda address in 2015, Lannon complained to the Data Protection Commissioner. The DPC prosecuted Ryan and his company, Glen Collection Investments Limited, who admitted breaches and were fined €7,500.
2019-11-20 · Louth
In a 2019 civil action, Daniel Lannon, aged 49, sued the Department of Social Protection for a 2014 breach of his privacy, alleging that his personal data was unlawfully passed to a private investigator. The department, represented by Conor Power SC and Nick Reilly BL, denied that such data sharing was common practice, stating that it takes data‑protection breaches seriously and has implemented staff training and monitoring since 2014. It admitted that a former official, Ms Caitriona Bracken, had provided Lannon's data to a private investigator, Mr Michael Ryan, who was hired by a solicitor's firm for AIB. The department also acknowledged that four employees, including Bracken, had been dismissed for passing data to third parties, and that between 20 and 30 staff had been disciplined for non‑business data access. The court heard that the department had taken steps such as random checks and a database of private investigators' phone numbers to prevent further breaches.
2019-11-19 · Louth
The High Court heard a damages claim by Daniel Lannon against the Minister for Social Protection, alleging a breach of privacy and data protection rights in 2014. Lannon claims a department official provided his Drogheda address to a private investigator hired by solicitors acting for AIB, enabling the bank to serve legal proceedings at that location. He seeks damages, aggravated damages, and declarations that the department breached its duty of care. The department opposes the claim, arguing it is not liable for the negligent actions of its former staff member, Ms Caitriona Bracken, who was dismissed in 2017. The department also contends the proceedings constitute an abuse of process, noting Lannon previously discontinued a similar action. Ms Bracken, added as a third party, claimed releasing data was common practice, but the department stated it was no longer seeking relief against her, allowing her to be let out of the case. Lannon admitted he failed to inform AIB of his address change as required by his mortgage terms. The court noted that in October 2016, the private investigator Michael Ryan and his company Glen Collection Investments Limited pleaded guilty to certain data breaches and were fined €7,500 by the district court. The hearing continues.
2018-10-30 · Galway
The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by Eugene Costello against 2017 High Court injunctions that restrain him from placing animals on lands in Coolfree, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon. The three-judge panel, comprising Mr Justice Michael Peart, Ms Justice Mary Irvine, and Ms Justice Marie Whelan, upheld the orders granted by Mr Justice Michael Twomey. The appeal also failed regarding the High Court's dismissal of Costello's application to strike out proceedings brought by applicant Carlisle Mortgages. Carlisle Mortgages claims approximately €1.4m remains outstanding on a 2004 loan of €440,000 secured by the land, which it seeks to sell following a 2006 possession order. Costello has alleged the transaction was fraudulent, a claim Carlisle denies. The court rejected Costello's argument that Carlisle needed to renew its execution order of possession before seeking the injunction, noting that Carlisle obtained possession in 2014 after Costello purged a prior contempt. The judges stated that any subsequent adverse action by Costello constituted trespass. Costello has been jailed three separate times for contempt of High Court orders directing him to remove livestock from the lands. Most recently, Mr Justice Twomey jailed him for three weeks for failing to comply with the 2017 injunction, following a one-week jail sentence in January of this year for similar non-compliance. He was also jailed in 2014 for breaching undertakings to remove livestock, from which he was released after purging his contempt.
2018-10-08 · Roscommon
A County Roscommon farmer has been jailed for three weeks for contempt of a High Court order at the High Court in Dublin. Mr Justice Michael Twomey imposed the sentence on Eugene Costello for failing to remove livestock from 90 acres of farmland at Coolfree, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe. Carlisle Mortgages Ltd brought the proceedings, claiming Mr Costello obstructed the sale of the property by keeping cattle on it. The lender sought to sell the land after Mr Costello allegedly failed to repay borrowings from 2004, with approximately €1.4 million outstanding. Mr Costello had undertaken to remove the animals by August 25th but failed to do so. He accepted non-compliance with previous undertakings, though his solicitor disputed whether the livestock in photographs belonged to his client. The judge declined to continue a previously imposed stay on the committal order. This marks Mr Costello's third jailing for contempt in connection with the matter.
2018-07-31 · Galway
In a €3.3 million lotto dispute, the Court of Appeal was informed that the matter between Mrs Mary Walsh (67) and her stepson David Walsh (53) had been resolved. The appeal, represented by Dervla Brown SC, confirmed that the High Court's decision to award David a one‑sixth share of the winning ticket and to order Mrs Walsh to pay €560,000 plus legal costs would be vacated, except for the dismissal of the defendant's counterclaim. No costs order would be made, and the plaintiff's High Court claim would be struck out. The settlement terms were not disclosed, as they are confidential. The case had originally involved a claim that David was entitled to his share because his signature was on the back of the ticket, while Mrs Walsh had argued that the ticket belonged to her. The Court of Appeal accepted the settlement and closed the appeal.
2018-07-02 · Galway
In July 2018, a group of Galway residents, organised under the 'Ballinasloe Says No' campaign, secured permission from the High Court to challenge the County Council's decision to grant a waste facility permit to Mr Sean Curran of Barna Waste for a site at Pollboy, Ballinasloe. The residents, all living about 2 km from the proposed facility, argue that the council failed to consider the potential adverse effects on a nearby Special Area of Preservation (SPA) – the River Suck Callows – and did not conduct an Appropriate Assessment under the EU Habitats Directive. They contend that the facility, which would handle inert waste, recycling of inorganic materials, and waste storage, could impact the SPA, located roughly 1.5 km away on the River Suck floodplain. Mr Curran is a notice party. The High Court, presided over by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan, granted the residents permission to proceed and ordered the matter to be returned for a hearing in October.
2017-03-21 · Galway
The Court of Appeal has extended the freezing orders that prevent Mary Walsh, a 66‑year‑old woman from County Galway, from reducing the value of her assets until her appeal against a ruling that she must pay a one‑sixth share of a €3.3 million lotto win to her stepson, David Walsh, is decided. The High Court had ordered that Walsh could not reduce her assets below €929,000, a figure that included €65,000 for potential legal costs. The appeal court, satisfied that Walsh had "arguable grounds of appeal," has placed an unconditional stay on the judgment and reduced the frozen asset threshold to €864,000. No further action will be taken on the assets, including a €425,000 mortgage on her home and a €141,000 life‑insurance claim, until the appeal is resolved. David Walsh's lawyers have registered a judgment mortgage and secured orders against Walsh's life‑insurance policies.
2017-03-20 · Galway
In March 2017 the High Court granted Peter Mulryan leave to sue Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to obtain information about his sister Marian Bridget Mulryan, who is believed to have died at the Tuam Mother and Baby Home. Mulryan, a retired ESB technician from Derrymullen, Ballinasloe, seeks a declaration that communications sent to his solicitor in 2016 created a legitimate expectation that Tusla would investigate all records concerning his sister. He also requests an order for Tusla to provide a printed booklet of all documentation it holds about St Mary's Home, including burial records, admission books, death certificates, adoption documents and correspondence. The court adjourned the matter for four weeks and confirmed that Tusla's offer to allow Mulryan to inspect scanned materials remains open. The case is still pending before the court.
2017-03-13 · Galway
An application by Peter Mulryan, a 73‑year‑old man from Derrymullen, Ballinasloe, seeks information about his infant sister Marian Bridget Mulryan, who is believed to have died in February 1955 at St Mary's mother and baby home in Tuam. Mulryan has brought proceedings against Tusla, requesting any material that may exist concerning his sister. Tusla claims it has provided all information it knows and has made its records available to the Commission investigating the Tuam home. The case was returned before Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, who considered whether to grant permission for a full hearing or a telescoped hearing combining the leave application and the full hearing. The judge adjourned the matter to allow Mulryan's lawyers to consider further amendments to the statement of grounds. The adjournment gives the parties time to clarify the orders sought. The court had previously adjourned the leave application several times to clarify the exact orders being requested.
2017-02-13 · Galway
Mary Walsh, aged 66, intends to appeal a High Court order that requires her to pay one‑sixth of a €3.3 million lotto win to her stepson, David Walsh, aged 52. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, had earlier ruled that Walsh must pay the share and legal costs to David, who claimed entitlement based on his signature on the back of the winning ticket. Walsh, who was married to David's late father Peter, denied the claim and argued the ticket was hers, citing a supposed offer of her house in lieu of €200,000. The judge rejected all of Walsh's counter‑claims, imposed an injunction preventing her from reducing her assets below €929,000, and ordered discovery to aid execution of the judgment. Walsh's lawyers argued she would not dissipate assets and that her sworn statement was meant to counter the freezing order.
2017-02-02 · Galway
The High Court ruled in favour of David Walsh, a Co Galway man, who sued his stepmother, Mary Walsh, and the estate of his late father, Peter Walsh, for a one-sixth share of a €3.38m Lotto win. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys found that David Walsh was a co-owner of the winning ticket and entitled to approximately €560,000. The judge rejected Mary Walsh's defence that she was the sole owner and that David Walsh had opted for a house instead of cash, deeming her evidence inconsistent and unreliable. He also found she had lied on oath regarding probate details to hide assets from her stepchildren. The court determined the ticket was intended to benefit three members of each family, with the prize split 50-50 between Mary Walsh and the late Peter Walsh. A stay on the order was granted pending an appeal, conditional on Mary Walsh lodging €929,000 to cover legal costs and the award. A temporary freezing order was also made to prevent her from reducing that sum, with liberty to vary the order granted.
2017-02-01 · Galway
In a High Court case, David Walsh sued his step‑mother, Mary Walsh, claiming a €560,000 share of a €3.38 million Lotto win. The dispute centred on a ticket that had six signatures, including David's, and the claim that the money was held in trust for him. Mary Walsh denied the claim, asserting she was the sole winner and that David had chosen a house over a cash offer. She said she had been offered a house belonging to her late husband, Peter Walsh, and that she had accepted it. The court heard evidence from former National Lottery manager Eamonn Hughes, who discussed the lack of formal rules for syndicate payouts and the possibility of gift‑tax avoidance. The parties had attempted out‑of‑court talks, but no settlement was reached. The case was set to conclude after the evidence was finished, with both sides preparing legal submissions.
2017-01-31 · Galway
In a High Court hearing, Mary Walsh, aged 66, claimed she was the sole winner of a €3.38 million Lotto jackpot won on 22 January 2011. She said the winning ticket was hers, not part of a syndicate, and that she had bought two tickets—one for herself and one for her late husband, Peter Walsh. Walsh explained that she discovered her win only after the draw, confirmed it with a National Lottery official, and had several relatives sign the back of the ticket to avoid tax. She denied that the ticket belonged to a seven‑person syndicate and that she held a €560,000 trust for her stepson, David Walsh, who is suing for a one‑sixth share. The case remains pending.
2017-01-26 · Galway
In a High Court hearing on 26 January 2017, David Walsh, aged 52, pursued a claim against his stepmother Mary Walsh, aged 65, for a one‑sixth share (€560,000) of a €3.38 million Lotto win dated 22 January 2011. Walsh, one of six signatories on the back of the winning ticket, argues that the prize money is held in trust for him by his stepmother and the estate of his late father, Peter Walsh. Mary Walsh denies that the ticket was part of a syndicate and asserts she purchased and owned it, claiming the signatures were added to avoid tax on gifts. She also alleges that Walsh was offered a choice between €200,000 or the family home at Knocknagreena, which he allegedly declined. The court considered technical and procedural arguments, and a motion to strike out part of Walsh's claim was dismissed as "quite illogical" and lacking substance. The case was set to resume on Friday.
2016-05-04 · Westmeath
In a High Court hearing, 62‑year‑old Fergal O'Rourke from Mullaghcloe, Ballymore, claimed that while handcuffed and on the ground after his arrest on 12 July 2009, a Garda struck him several times with a weapon and another Garda grabbed him by the throat. He said the incident left him with injuries requiring hospital treatment and a lame leg, and that it made him nervous. O'Rourke also alleged that he was kicked and punched, then taken to Athlone Garda Station and later to A&E in Ballinasloe. The defendants denied the allegations, stating O'Rourke was arrested after his vehicle performed a u‑turn at a Garda checkpoint, that he resisted arrest and kicked a Garda, and that the Garda used a baton in self‑defence. O'Rourke testified he had no intention of striking a Garda, had been trying to escape, and had previously pleaded guilty to refusing a breath‑sample after arrest.
2016-04-22 · Galway
A 41‑year‑old Declan O'Cualain was found not guilty by reason of insanity for strangling his brother Adrian Folan with a bungee cord on 4 July 2014. O'Cualain, who lived in An Caoran Beag, An Cheathru Rua, Co Galway, was charged with murder after the body was discovered concealed under rocks near the Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and after 21 minutes of deliberation a jury of nine men and three women returned that verdict. The judge, Justice Margaret Heneghan, exempted the jury from further service for 15 years and ordered O'Cualain to be committed to the Central Mental Hospital. The court heard forensic psychiatrists confirmed he was in an acute manic psychosis state, unable to appreciate the nature of his actions. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court on 22 April 2016.
2016-04-21 · Galway
A 41‑year‑old Galway man, Declan O'Cualain, was charged with murdering his brother Adrian Folan. The prosecution alleged that O'Cualain strangled Folan with a bungee cord, then disposed of the body in a water‑filled pit near the Cliffs of Moher, covering it with rocks. He confessed to the act to a friend and to Gardaí, and was arrested at his home on 7 July 2014. Gardaí found the body, which was later identified at Limerick University Hospital, and evidence of a burnt knife fragment and bungee cords was recovered. O'Cualain pleaded not guilty on the grounds of insanity, claiming he was in an "utterly delusional" state and believed his brother was a paedophile. The trial is ongoing.
2016-04-14 · Galway
In a High Court hearing, Mr David Walsh from Knocknagreena, Ballinasloe, sued his stepmother, Mrs Mary Walsh, claiming a one‑sixth share of a €3.38 million Lotto win, amounting to €564,000. He argued that he signed the back of the winning ticket and was entitled to that share, and that the money was held in trust for him by his stepmother and his late father's estate. Mrs Walsh, represented by Claire Bruton, denied the claim, asserting that the ticket belonged to her and that her stepson was not entitled to any proceeds. The case was briefly presented to Mr Justice Paul Gilligan, who set a November hearing date and allowed pre‑trial motions to be filed within a month. No parties were present during the short hearing. The dispute centers on ownership of the ticket and the distribution of the prize money.
2015-12-17 · Louth
Thomas Murphy, aged 66, from Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, County Louth, has been found guilty of nine counts of tax evasion at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. The three-judge court determined that Murphy failed to furnish returns of income to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996 to 2004, despite conducting substantial farming operations. Evidence presented during the 32-day trial included testimony from Department of Agriculture staff, managers at cattle marts in Roscommon, Ballyjamesduff, Kingscourt and Elphin, meat factory representatives, and Criminal Assets Bureau investigators. The court heard that Murphy received over €100,000 in farming grants and conducted cattle transactions exceeding €500,000 across various livestock marts. Murphy's defence, that his brother Patrick controlled the farming activities, was rejected by the judges. Forensic analysis of a bank account operated in Murphy's name revealed significant financial activity. Murphy was remanded on continuing bail pending sentencing on 12 February 2016.
2015-10-20 · Dublin
The trial of Thomas Murphy at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin has heard evidence regarding substantial cattle transactions spanning several years. A former project manager at Kepak Meat Processors testified that between August 1999 and August 2001, cattle valued at over €30,000 were supplied to the company by a man named Thomas Murphy. Additional evidence was presented concerning cattle purchases made in May 2004, including transactions at livestock marts in County Galway and Kingscourt, County Cavan. Mr Murphy, aged 66 and resident in County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges of failing to furnish income returns to revenue authorities for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution alleges that despite significant dealings in cattle and land and receipt of farming grants, the accused made no tax returns. The investigation was conducted by the Criminal Assets Bureau. The trial before the three-judge court continues.
2015-07-09 · Galway
A senior Health Service Executive manager has initiated High Court proceedings challenging her proposed reassignment to an alternative role. Ms Helen Earley, Area Director of Nursing for the Galway/Roscommon Mental Health Service, contends the HSE lacks contractual authority to transfer her to a position overseeing smoke-free zone initiatives across the Limerick to Donegal region and island health services. Her counsel argued the relocation would damage her professional reputation, given her current responsibility for 400 staff across 60 locations and her stewardship of substantial service restructuring since 2012. The HSE maintains contractual entitlement to effect the transfer on identical terms. Ms Earley seeks injunctions restraining her reassignment and preventing the appointment of an alternative to her current post. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan granted permission to serve short notice of the proceedings. The matter returned before the court on Friday morning.
2015-02-27 · Dublin
The Central Criminal Court jury heard technical evidence on the 27th day of the trial of Graham Dwyer, who is charged with murdering Elaine O'Hara at Killakee, Rathfarnham on 22nd August 2012. Mr Dwyer, aged 42, has pleaded not guilty to the charge. Witnesses including telecommunications engineers provided detailed mobile phone records and data covering periods before and after the alleged offence. The court also heard from a woman who had engaged Mr Dwyer's architectural services in County Galway in 2009, and from witnesses who placed him at various locations during July 2012. A Ballyshannon hotel proprietor testified to his movements that month. The State's case is that the killing occurred hours after Ms O'Hara's discharge from a mental health facility. Her remains were discovered at Killakee in September 2013. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of five women and seven men.
2015-02-27 · Dublin
The trial of Mark Nash, 42, who has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61) at sheltered accommodation in Grangegorman between March 6 and March 7, 1997, continued at the Central Criminal Court. Defence counsel cross-examined former Assistant Garda Commissioner James McHugh regarding the earlier, withdrawn murder charge against Dean Lyons. Mr. McHugh testified that Lyons made admissions describing the scene, including the entry point and the victims' positions, which he agreed were consistent with the facts. The defence argued that Lyons' description of the carving knife blades found at the scene could not have been more accurate. Mr. McHugh acknowledged that a second admission from Nash caused concern within An Garda Síochána, leading to an investigation into potential contamination. He stated he was satisfied that officers in Galway, where Nash made his admission, did not prompt him, noting that no notes were taken during those interviews. The court heard that both statements could not be true, necessitating a review of the evidence. The trial continues.
2014-07-15 · Roscommon
A man was jailed for contempt of court and later removed from the Four Courts by ambulance after collapsing. Mr Justice Brian McGovern jailed Eugene Costello after a receiver, appointed by Carlisle Mortgages Ltd, stated that agents were unable to gain vacant possession of land due to Mr Costello's cattle remaining on the property. The application for Mr Costello's imprisonment was brought by Carlisle Mortgages Ltd, who obtained an order for possession of the lands in 2006 following Mr Costello's default on loan repayments from 2004. Mr Maurice Lyons was appointed receiver when Mr Costello failed to pay €1.4m. The judge noted that Mr Costello had previously undertaken to remove all livestock from the land, allowing the receiver to take possession of 90 acres in Coolfree, Rockland, and Onagh. The judge found Mr Costello in contempt of court and committed him to prison until the receiver could take vacant possession of the lands and Mr Costello purged himself of his contempt. The matter was adjourned to next week. Mr Costello, who denied that his livestock were on the lands, appeared to take ill and collapsed, receiving medical attention from paramedics and being taken by ambulance to hospital. The case has been before the courts on multiple occasions, with Mr Costello ordered by the High Court in 2010 to remove his animals from the lands. Last year, the High Court found him in contempt of court, and the Supreme Court refused to grant a stay on that order. Counsel for Carlisle Mortgages Ltd stated that Mr Costello had given an undertaking to remove all his cattle from the land on July 1st last, but agents observed 14 cattle on the lands, which were left there to frustrate and obstruct the receiver. Mr Costello, who represented himself, told the court there were no cattle on the lands and that he had slaughtered and moved his cattle, but animals were put back on the lands due to restrictions imposed by the Department of Agriculture after illness was detected in his herd. He stated he was caught in a bind by the committal order and that he was prepared to take whatever steps were required to remedy the situation.