Court archive
Court reports mentioning Monasterevin, Kildare
2026-07-13 · Limerick
A sentencing hearing has taken place in the Special Criminal Court for Shane Blackhall (21) and Co-accused O'Donovan (19), both of whom have pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to drug dealing, firearm possession, and involvement in a criminal organisation. Blackhall admitted to possessing cocaine, cannabis, and diamorphine for sale or supply at Mungret Court on June 10, 2025, and possessing a firearm on January 6, 2025, at Hyde Avenue in Limerick, in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable suspicion that he did not have it for a lawful purpose. He also admitted to unlawfully using a mechanically propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner on June 1, 2025, at Ashbourne Avenue, Limerick. O'Donovan admitted to participating in or contributing to activity intending to facilitate the commission of a serious offence by the O'Donoghue criminal organisation, to wit, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, between April 26 and May 8, 2025. He also faces three further charges of unlawfully using a mechanically propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner, in Limerick on April 27, 2025, and May 8, 2025, and in Monasterevin on April 26, 2025, as well as a charge of arson at Ashroe, Limerick, on May 8, 2025. The matter was adjourned for sentencing on July 27. Five other men are also due to stand trial in relation to their alleged involvement in these offences.
2026-05-21 · Tipperary
The High Court has ruled that a District Court judge erred in law when he refused to convict thirty-four drivers caught speeding at Clogheen, Monasterevin in County Kildare. In December 2024, Judge Andrew Cody found the facts proven but declined to record convictions, describing the 60km/h speed zone as unjust and criticising prosecutions as motivated by targets and finance rather than safety. The Director of Public Prosecutions sought judicial review of four lead cases. Mr Justice Cian Ferriter found the judge's approach unlawful, stating a court must record a conviction when facts are proven. The judge's role was to apply existing law, not to question its correctness. Mr Justice Ferriter noted the judge's comments breached fair procedures and could create reasonable apprehension of predetermination. However, none of the thirty-four drivers opposed the DPP's action. The DPP adopted a sensible approach by not requesting remittal to District Court, meaning none will receive convictions or penalty points.
2026-05-11 · Limerick
A Limerick teenager has pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to helping a criminal gang possess a firearm with intent to endanger life last year. John O'Donovan (19), of Valley View, O'Malley Park, Southill, Limerick, will appear before the court again on July 13 for a sentencing hearing. The charge to which he entered the plea states that between April 26 and May 8, 2025, O'Donovan, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, participated in or contributed to activity intending to, or being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could, facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation or any of its members, to wit, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. In a related matter, Shane Blackhall (21) of Mungret Court, Watergate Flats, Limerick, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, cannabis and diamorphine for sale or supply at Mungret Court on June 10, 2025.
2026-03-09 · Limerick
Ms Justice Karen O'Connor ordered John O'Donovan and Shane Blackhall to be tried before the Special Criminal Court on charges including firearms offences. O'Donovan also faces allegations involving a criminal organisation, vehicle use and arson, while Blackhall faces drug and firearms charges.
2026-02-09 · Kildare
A convicted sex offender who was on bail when he attacked and raped his then partner in a Kildare woods, telling her he had dug her grave, has been further jailed for 10 years. Dylan McMahon (31) was convicted of rape, aggravated sexual assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill or cause serious harm. During the attack, McMahon pushed dog faeces, sticks, and leaves in her mouth, making her unable to breathe, and led her through the woods, telling her he had dug her grave. He denied the charges but pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. McMahon has 36 previous convictions and is currently serving a sentence of six years with the final year suspended for theft and assault causing harm to a sex worker. He is also serving a consecutive two-year and nine-month sentence for offences including robbery. The court heard that McMahon sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2015 and does not accept the verdict of the jury.
2025-06-30 · Kildare
A 25‑year‑old sportsman, Calvin Dunne, was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison for the manslaughter of Dylan McCarthy, 29, who died after being assaulted during a melee outside a Kildare pub in August 2022. The judge found that Dunne had delivered a one‑stride kick to McCarthy's head, which caused a traumatic head injury and spinal injury. Dunne had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter but withdrew the plea; he was later found guilty of both manslaughter and violent disorder. The sentence was reduced by 25 % from a headline of nine years, with the final six months suspended for 12 months. A co‑accused, Sean Kavanagh, 27, received a two‑year‑six‑month sentence for assault causing harm, with four months suspended for 12 months. Both defendants were found not guilty of murder. The court noted the impact on the McCarthy family and the defendants' low risk of reoffending.
2025-06-03 · Kildare
In a sentencing hearing, the mother of Dylan McCarthy, who died after a fatal assault outside a Kildare pub in August 2022, delivered an emotional victim impact statement. She described her son's life as abruptly ended, noting that money saved for his wedding was redirected to his funeral. Dylan's girlfriend, Aoife Talty, also spoke, recalling his kindness and their future plans. The court heard that Calvin Dunne (25) was convicted of manslaughter and violent disorder, while Sean Kavanagh (27) pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Eamonn McCarthy and was found not guilty of murder. The trial detailed the chaotic melee, with witnesses describing a kick to Dylan's head and a "loud thud." The judge adjourned the case to June 30 for finalisation.
2025-04-11 · Kildare
Garreth Bannon, 50, of Gurteeneona, Monasterevin, was sentenced to seven years in prison with the final 12 months suspended at the Central Criminal Court for raping his biological daughter, whom he first met when she was a teenager. The offence occurred between January and September 2015. The victim, who is now living abroad, was 18 at the time and had been given alcohol, which the judge said inhibited her capacity to deal with the situation. Bannon pleaded guilty and expressed remorse, which the judge noted as mitigating. The judge described the case as an egregious breach of trust and a repugnant feature of the crime. The sentence includes strict conditions, including no contact with the victim for life and supervision by Probation Services for two years after release. The victim's impact statement highlighted profound and lasting trauma, including guilt, shame, chronic anxiety and PTSD.
2025-02-07 · Kildare
Calvin Dunne, 24, was convicted of the manslaughter of Dylan McCarthy and violent disorder following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned a 10-2 majority verdict for manslaughter and a unanimous guilty verdict for violent disorder, acquitting Dunne of murder. Dunne had pleaded not guilty to all charges, alleging self-defence during a melee outside a pub in Monasterevin on August 21-22, 2022. Co-accused Sean Kavanagh, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, with a charge of violent disorder taken into consideration. Following a defence application, Ms Justice Biggs directed the jury to find Kavanagh not guilty of murder, a charge he had denied. After the verdicts, Ms Justice Biggs remanded Dunne in custody, rejecting his request to remain on bail. Kavanagh was permitted to continue on bail. The matter was adjourned to May 12 to allow time for the preparation of probation reports for both defendants, a Governor's report for Dunne, and Victim Impact Statements from the McCarthy family.
2025-02-07 · Kildare
Eamon McCarthy, father of the deceased, testified that he and his son Dylan went to Monasterevin to celebrate a grandchild's birth. After leaving a pub, a melee outside the Bellyard pub escalated. The prosecution alleged that Sean Kavanagh punched Dylan and Calvin Dunne kicked Dylan's exposed head, causing Dylan's death. Both accused denied kicking Dylan and claimed they were defending themselves, asserting that Dylan and his father were the aggressors. The court heard Eamon's account of the fight, his injuries, and the subsequent ambulance transport. Witnesses described a chaotic scene with multiple punches and a kick. The prosecution's case focused on the alleged kick by Dunne as the fatal blow, while the defence argued uncertainty over which blow caused the fatal injury and the legitimacy of self‑defence. The trial concluded with the jury given options of murder, manslaughter or acquittal, but the article reports no verdict.
2025-02-06 · Kildare
The jury in the trial of 24‑year‑old Calvin Dunne, charged with the murder of 29‑year‑old Dylan McCarthy outside the Bellyard pub in Monasterevin, has been informed that a majority verdict is now permissible. The case, heard at the Central Criminal Court, involves an incident on 22 August 2022 in which McCarthy was struck on the head by Dunne, who claims he was acting in self‑defence. Witnesses described a "loud thud" when McCarthy was hit, and the State alleges that Dunne delivered a punch and a "vicious kick" to the head. Dunne denies the murder charge and has pleaded not guilty to violent disorder on 21 August 2022. Justice Caroline Burns explained that the jury can now return a ten‑to‑two majority verdict if unanimity cannot be achieved, and the deliberations will continue for a further 30 minutes before the next day's session. The jury remains at its fourth day of deliberation.
2025-02-05 · Kildare
The jury in the Central Criminal Court trial of Calvin Dunne, 24, has continued its deliberations for a third day. Dunne, of Monasterevin, Co Kildare, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dylan McCarthy, 29, on or about August 22, 2022, and to violent disorder on August 21, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin. The State alleges Dunne punched and kicked McCarthy in the head while he was on the ground. Dunne maintains he acted in self-defence, claiming he lightly kicked McCarthy in the chest. Eyewitness David O'Neill testified that he heard a loud thud and saw McCarthy's eyes roll back after being struck in the head, though he admitted being highly intoxicated and acknowledged it was possible Dunne hit the chest. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs directed the jury that they could find Dunne guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. In a separate matter, co-accused Sean Kavanagh, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, the deceased's father, at the same location and date. A charge of violent disorder was taken into consideration. Kavanagh had previously denied a charge of murder, to which Ms Justice Biggs directed the jury to find him not guilty. The jury, comprising ten men and two women, was requested to review the transcript of O'Neill's evidence and will continue deliberating tomorrow.
2025-01-31 · Kildare
The jury in the murder trial of 24‑year‑old Calvin Dunne, accused of killing Dylan McCarthy during a melee outside a pub in Kildare on 22 August 2022, will begin deliberations next week. The State alleges Mr McCarthy died after receiving punches and a "vicious kick" to the head from Mr Dunne while he was trying to rise. Mr Dunne claims he acted in self‑defence, stating he was drawn into the fight when Dylan and his party were "out of control and extremely violent." He says he only struck Dylan after Dylan attempted to hit Sean Kavanagh, and that he "lightly kicked" Dylan in what he believed to be the chest area. The jury has heard that a state pathologist could not determine whether a punch or kick caused the fatal injury. Sean Kavanagh pleaded guilty. Calvin Dunne pleaded not guilty.
2025-01-30 · Kildare
The trial of Calvin Dunne, 24, accused of the murder of Dylan McCarthy, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Dunne, of Monasterevin, Co Kildare, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr McCarthy on or about August 22, 2022, and to violent disorder on August 21, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin. His co-accused, Sean Kavanagh, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, the deceased's father, on the same date and location; a charge of violent disorder was taken into consideration. The judge directed the jury to find Kavanagh not guilty of the murder charge he had denied. Defence counsel argued that Dunne acted in self-defence and that the jury must acquit if there is any doubt regarding whether Dunne kicked the deceased in the face or chest. The State alleges the kick to the head caused death, while the defence cites pathologist evidence that the cause of fatal injury is indistinguishable. The judge outlined three possible verdicts: guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with the judge's legal charge to the jury continuing.
2025-01-29 · Kildare
Sean Kavanagh (26) was found not guilty of murder by direction of the trial judge, but remains in the case until the jury gives a verdict. He and co‑accused Calvin Dunne (24) pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dylan McCarthy (29) and to violent disorder on 21 August 2022. Kavanagh pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Eamon McCarthy. He claimed he was defending himself after a fight spilled onto the street from the Bellyard pub, stating a large man in his 50s had attacked him and he responded to protect a friend. The prosecution argued that McCarthy died after punches and a "vicious kick" from Dunne, citing CCTV and a pathologist's report of a tear to the vertebral artery. The trial continues tomorrow.
2025-01-28 · Kildare
During a murder trial, a witness named David O'Neill testified that he saw Dylan McCarthy lying on the ground after being punched by Sean Kavanagh and Calvin Dunne. O'Neill, who was walking toward Dublin Street, claimed he tried to help McCarthy up but was struck by a kick to the head from Dunne. He described McCarthy falling onto his back with his eyes rolling back. O'Neill said he heard a noise like a car door after the kick and called an ambulance while a girl nearby screamed. He was highly intoxicated that day. The jury heard that Dunne had told Gardaí he lightly kicked McCarthy in the chest area. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, is proceeding to closing speeches. The accused, Kavanagh and Dunne, have pleaded not guilty to murder, violent disorder, and assault causing harm to McCarthy's father. The State's case is that McCarthy died after the assault. The trial continues tomorrow.
2025-01-23 · Kildare
In a Central Criminal Court jury hearing, State pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers confirmed that 29‑year‑old Dylan McCarthy died from a traumatic head and spinal injury caused by blunt force trauma, but she could not identify whether a punch or a kick caused the fatal blow. The State alleges McCarthy was assaulted outside a pub in Kildare by Sean Kavanagh (26) and Calvin Dunne (24), who claim self‑defence, and that McCarthy was also involved in the violence that night. Both men pleaded not guilty to murder, violent disorder and, in Kavanagh's case, assault causing harm to McCarthy's father. Dr Okkers described extensive haemorrhaging, brain swelling, and spinal cord damage, noting that CCTV made it impossible to determine the specific blow that caused the fatal injury. The trial will resume next Monday before Justice Caroline Biggs and a 12‑person jury.
2025-01-22 · Kildare
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, an eyewitness described a violent incident in Kildare where 29‑year‑old Dylan McCarthy was struck in the head, leading to his death. The State alleged that McCarthy was punched by Sean Kavanagh (26) and Calvin Dunne (24) before Dunne delivered a "vicious kick" to McCarthy's head while he was attempting to rise. Both men claim self‑defence and that McCarthy was involved in the violence that night. They have pleaded not guilty to murder and to violent disorder, and Kavanagh also pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to McCarthy's father. The witness recounted hearing a "loud thud" like a football kick and observed McCarthy lying flat on the ground when struck. The trial continues before Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of ten men and two women.
2025-01-17 · Kildare
During a murder trial in Monasterevin, father Eamon McCarthy testified that he saw his son Dylan, aged 29, gurgling and with eyes rolling after a violent assault. McCarthy described how Dylan was punched by Sean Kavanagh (26) and Calvin Dunne (24), then kicked in the head by Dunne while Dylan tried to rise. McCarthy claimed he intervened, pulling Kavanagh's hand from Dylan, but was struck and knocked to the ground. He later recalled a man striking him with a belt. McCarthy's injuries included a fractured jaw, broken nose and a hairline fracture near an eye socket, all attributed to the assault. The case remains at the trial stage, with the jury hearing the State's account of the incident and the defendants' self‑defence claims. Sean Kavanagh pleaded not guilty. Calvin Dunne pleaded not guilty.
2025-01-16 · Kildare
In a Central Criminal Court case, two men, Sean Kavanagh (26) and Calvin Dunne (24), charged with the murder of Dylan McCarthy (29) in Monasterevin on 22 August 2022, claim they acted in self‑defence. The prosecution contends McCarthy died after receiving punches from Kavanagh and a kick to the head from Dunne while he was on the ground. McCarthy was taken to hospital the next day and pronounced dead. The State presented CCTV footage and testimony that Kavanagh and Dunne were present at the pub, that McCarthy was involved in a fight, and that Dunne delivered a "running kick" to McCarthy's exposed head. The jury heard that McCarthy suffered a subdural haemorrhage, and the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused intended to kill or cause serious injury. The trial continues before Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of ten men and two women. Sean Kavanagh pleaded not guilty. Calvin Dunne pleaded not guilty.
2025-01-14 · Kildare
A jury of ten men and two women has been sworn in to hear the trial of Sean Kavanagh, 26, and Calvin Dunne, 24, both from Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, accused of murdering Dylan McCarthy, 29, on or about 22 August 2022. The trial, to be held before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs at the Central Criminal Court, is expected to last just over two weeks and will involve 97 witnesses. Kavanagh will be represented by Michael Lynn SC and Carol Doherty BL, while Dunne will be represented by John Fitzgerald SC and Aoife O'Leary. The Director of Public Prosecution's Senior Counsel, Seoirse Ó Dúnlaing, will appear with Jane Horgan Jones BL. The jury was instructed that any research or external information would be "totally improper" and that verdicts must be based solely on evidence presented in court. The trial is scheduled to begin tomorrow and is expected to conclude by 4 February. Sean Kavanagh pleaded not guilty. Calvin Dunne pleaded not guilty.
2020-05-05 · Dublin
David Allen, 35, was on bail for a robbery when he knocked 89‑year‑old Nina MacAuley to the ground outside a Dublin hairdresser, bashed her, and stole her handbag. MacAuley suffered head and arm injuries and later discovered her handbag missing. Allen, who has no fixed abode and a history of 25 convictions including robbery, burglary and theft, pleaded guilty to the robbery at Aungier Street on 1 July 2019 and to the armed robbery of a 73‑year‑old taxi driver on 5 February 2019. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to three years for the earlier robbery and five years for the MacAuley robbery, making a total of eight years imprisonment with the final two years suspended on strict conditions. The sentence was imposed with the two terms running consecutively. Allen's victim impact statement was read in court, and he admitted to being "strung out" on heroin during the incidents.
2020-02-05 · Dublin
A 34‑year‑old man, David Allen, was on bail for robbery when he knocked an 89‑year‑old woman, Nina MacAuley, to the ground outside a Dublin hairdresser and stole her handbag. MacAuley suffered head and arm injuries and later described the incident in a victim impact statement, noting her difficulty sleeping and feeling vulnerable at her age. Allen, who has 25 prior convictions, had pleaded guilty to two earlier robberies in July and February 2019. He admitted to being "strung out" on heroin during the February robbery and claimed he used a pen to make a taxi driver think it was a knife. The court, hearing his apology and shame, ordered a probation report and remanded him in custody until May 5, with a lengthy custodial sentence expected.
2018-02-27 · Kildare
In February 2018, Christopher Dunne, a 27‑year‑old Kildare resident, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison after the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found him guilty of possessing 19 kg of cocaine worth €1.3 million and under 1 kg of heroin worth €170 000. Dunne had rented a flat on his own name for third parties and broke down bulk drugs arriving at the premises into smaller packages. He claimed he had lost his job at Intel, became depressed and spent thousands of euros a week on cocaine, and that he was involved to offset a substantial drug debt. The case began when a caretaker mistakenly entered the flat, saw white powder, and reported it to the letting agent, who then called Gardaí. Gardaí found the flat empty but containing eight wrapped packages of cocaine, a digital weighing scale, loose white powder, a black hold‑all bag and a wooden spoon.
2017-12-14 · Dublin
The State withdrew the attempted murder charge against 26‑year‑old Dwayne Keane after the alleged victim, a 42‑year‑old man, died of natural causes. Keane had been charged in November 2016 at Dublin District Court for an incident on Raheen Drive, Cherry Orchard. Sean Gillane SC requested a nolle prosequi, and Justice Patrick McCarthy discharged Keane, who was released on bail.
2017-12-13 · Dublin
In December 2017, Dwayne Keane, 26, of Monasterevin, was released from custody after the alleged victim of his attempted murder charge died. Keane had been charged in November 2016 at Dublin District Court for attempting to kill a 42‑year‑old man on Raheen Drive, Cherry Orchard. He was remanded until bail was granted by Justice Patrick McCarthy, requiring him to sign twice a week at Rathcoole Garda Station and post a €200 bond.
2016-11-14 · Kildare
Trevor Gleeson, a 36‑year‑old prison officer from Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, successfully appealed a conviction for possessing drugs. In 2009 he was charged with simple possession of controlled drugs and possession for sale or supply at Grey Abbey Road, Kildare Town. A jury found him guilty of five possession counts but could not reach a verdict on the sale or supply charge; a retrial on that charge ended with a jury discharge after late disclosure of CCTV footage. Gleeson received a wholly suspended 18‑month sentence in 2014. The Court of Appeal ruled that the trial judge erred in instructing the jury on the defence of duress and that CCTV footage, which had existed at the time of the first trial, was improperly withheld. The appeal was allowed on those grounds, with no further determination on other issues such as the Garda investigation. The case remains at the appeal stage. Trevor Gleeson pleaded not guilty.
2016-11-03 · Laois
In November 2016 the High Court heard a case brought by insolvency practitioners Jim Hamilton and David O'Connor, acting as receivers for Nama, against David and Patrick Maughan. The dispute concerns a greenfield site on Monasterevin Road, Portarlington, Co. Laois, which has been earmarked for a new primary school. The receivers claim the Maughans are residing on the property without entitlement and are seeking injunctions that require the Maughans to vacate the site, remove all their property, and prevent any trespassing by them or anyone with notice of the action. The Maughans attended the hearing without legal representation, stating they had only recently been served with documents and had not had time to secure a lawyer. They denied that their mobile homes were on the greenfield site, asserting they were on the nearby road, and said they had been living on the site since March 2015.
2016-05-09 · Kildare
Trevor Gleeson, 36, of Monasterevin, Kildare, was convicted of possessing €5,791 worth of controlled drugs and was found guilty of possession at Naas Circuit Criminal Court. The jury did not reach a verdict on the charges of possession for sale or supply and dangerous driving, which were later dropped during a retrial. Gleeson was given a wholly suspended 18‑month sentence by Judge Leonie Reynolds on 31 January 2014. His barrister, Damian Colgan SC, has now opened an appeal, arguing that the State suppressed evidence that would have supported Gleeson's claim of acting under duress from associates of a well‑known criminal gang. Colgan cites a CCTV footage that was not provided to the defence in the first trial and claims the State's failure to disclose it led to the dropping of the remaining charges. Trevor Gleeson pleaded not guilty.
2015-06-25 · Down
In 2015 the Supreme Court dismissed appeals by jockey Eddie O'Connell and trainer Jim Lambe, who had challenged a High Court finding that they were not entitled to contest the Turf Club's authority to enforce racing rules. The Court also rejected the Turf Club's cross‑appeal that it was not subject to judicial review. The dispute stemmed from the Turf Club's investigation into alleged irregular betting on the horse Yachvili in a 2011 Downpatrick race. O'Connell was found to have breached racing rules, while Lambe was acquitted. The appellants sought declarations that the Turf Club's rules and the 1994 Act were unconstitutional, but the Court held the Act merely supported the Club's pre‑existing jurisdiction. The Supreme Court's unanimous decision affirmed the Turf Club's legal power to make and enforce rules, and dismissed all claims on their merits. The ruling confirmed that the Club's decisions are subject to judicial review under the 1994 Act.
2014-04-03 · Armagh
In a High Court decision on 3 April 2014, Mr Justice Brian McGovern dismissed the challenge brought by jockey Eddie O'Connell and trainer Jim Lambe against the Turf Club's authority to enforce horse‑racing rules. The men had sought to invalidate any sanctions arising from the Turf Club's investigation into alleged irregular betting on the horse Yachvili in the 2011 Kerry Food European Breeders Funds Beginners Chase. They claimed the Turf Club's jurisdiction was unlawful and that its rules were unconstitutional, arguing that any decision could end their careers and damage their reputations. The court found the Turf Club's regulatory powers were established by the 1994 Irish Horse Racing Industry Act and that the rules promoted integrity and fair play. Consequently, the court upheld the Turf Club's authority and struck out the applicants' claims, noting the investigation's findings were not relevant to the judgment. The ruling highlighted the limits of judicial intervention in sporting matters.