Court archive
Court reports mentioning Doon, Limerick
2025-03-25 · Dublin
Glen Duff, 38, of Doon Court, Poppintree, Dublin 11, was given a further five‑year prison sentence for slashing a fellow inmate's face in Cloverhill Prison on 16 October 2021. He pleaded guilty to the assault and to a burglary of a pub on Great Strand Street, where the front door was smashed and €300 worth of alcohol was stolen. Duff already has over 200 previous convictions and is serving a six‑year sentence with the final 15 months suspended for two robberies in Temple Bar in 2022 and an earlier assault on a tourist. The court noted his history of violent attacks on tourists in Temple Bar and his long‑term institutional life. Judge Elva Duffy described him as a "menace to society" and said he was "lucky" to be charged only with Section 3 assault. The five‑year sentence was handed down with the final year suspended on strict conditions.
2024-07-11 · Mayo
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has viewed the bloodied knife and hatchet used in the killing of a woman at her home in Westport, County Mayo. James Kilroy, aged fifty-one, a park ranger, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his wife Valerie French Kilroy at Kilbree Lower between June thirteenth and fourteenth, 2019. During the trial, gardaí gave evidence that a twenty-centimetre knife, bent at nearly ninety degrees, was discovered at the scene with the victim's blood upon it. Detective Garda Sergeant Michael Doherty of Castlebar Garda Station outlined how the accused demonstrated to gardaí how the killing occurred and sketched the weapon. The defence has accepted that the accused killed his wife. A pathology report established that Mrs French Kilroy died from ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and a stab wound to the neck. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, continues.
2024-03-12 · Limerick
Patrick Shanahan, 77, a pensioner from Co Limerick, was convicted in August 2022 of 14 counts of sexually assaulting his two granddaughters, Daria and Tara Tobin, when they were aged 10 to 14 in 2010 and 2014. He received an 11‑year jail term, with the final two years suspended, after a unanimous jury verdict. Shanahan appealed to the Court of Appeal in Cork, arguing that the sentencing judge had wrongly treated his refusal to accept the jury's verdict as an aggravating factor. The Court of Appeal, led by Ms Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, rejected the appeal, finding no error in the judge's remarks. The court noted the seriousness of the repeated assaults, the vulnerability of the victims, and the lack of mitigating factors, and upheld the original sentence. The appeal was dismissed for severity of sentence. Patrick Shanahan pleaded not guilty.
2024-02-20 · Dublin
Glen Duff, 36, of Doon Court, Poppintree, Dublin 11, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for two robberies and an assault causing harm in Temple Bar. The first offence occurred on 17 April 2022 when Duff and an accomplice attacked a tourist, kicking and stomping on his head before taking a €300 wallet. The victim suffered concussion and ongoing memory problems. The second offence took place on 23 June 2023, when Duff and another man robbed an American tourist who had just arrived in Ireland, stealing his wallet, passport and driving licence and leaving him with a broken finger. Both incidents were captured on CCTV and led to charges in May 2023 and November 2023, respectively. Duff pleaded guilty to all charges.
2023-11-13 · Limerick
Patrick Shanahan, 76, of Cooga, Doon, Co Limerick, remains in prison after the Court of Appeal upheld his 11‑year sentence. He was convicted in July 2022 by a unanimous jury at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on 14 counts of sexually assaulting his granddaughters Daria and Tara Tobin between 2010 and 2014. The abuse included rubbing the girls' vaginas and later finger and tongue penetration when they were aged 10 to 14. The assaults occurred in Shanahan's home, on nearby land and in his van. Shanahan appealed on grounds of delay and alleged inconsistencies in one complaint, arguing that evidence of how the abuse was disclosed should not have been admitted. The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, found that the complaint met all admissibility conditions, that the delay was justified by the girls' psychological state, and that the evidence was consistent. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed and Shanahan will continue to serve his sentence. Patrick Shanahan pleaded not guilty.
2023-10-17 · Limerick
Patrick Shanahan, 76, a pensioner from Cooga, Doon, Co Limerick, was convicted in 2022 by a unanimous jury at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on 14 counts of sexually assaulting his granddaughters Daria and Tara Tobin between 2010 and 2014. The abuse involved rubbing the girls' vaginas and later vaginal penetration by finger and tongue when they were aged 10 to 14. The assaults occurred in Shanahan's home, on nearby land and in his van. Shanahan appealed today on the Court of Appeal, arguing that the delay between the offences and the girls' complaints, inconsistencies in one complaint, and the admissibility of the aunt's evidence should have been challenged. He contended that the aunt's questioning was leading and that the complaint was not made at the first reasonable opportunity. The court has reserved judgment on the appeal. Patrick Shanahan pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-08 · Mayo
A 49-year-old man has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his wife at their rural home near Westport, County Mayo, the Central Criminal Court heard today. The prosecution alleges that James Kilroy killed Valerie French Kilroy between 13 and 14 June 2019. Her body was discovered in a camper van on the couple's property approximately 6 kilometres from Westport. A post-mortem examination determined she died from ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and a stab wound to the neck. The jury heard that Mr Kilroy was found naked in a field in the Westport area and was subsequently brought to Castlebar Hospital, where he stated he had killed his wife and children. The three young children were found unharmed. The defence is expected to present psychiatric evidence regarding Mr Kilroy's mental state. The prosecution contends he is guilty of murder. The trial, before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury, is expected to conclude by month's end.
2023-03-06 · Sligo
At the Central Criminal Court, Martin Doyle, aged 53, of Esker, Knock, County Mayo, was convicted following trial of two counts of rape and 25 counts of sexual assault. The offences comprised the rape of his wife on two occasions in May 2009 and once in November 2011, and systematic sexual assault of his daughter between 2004 and 2011 while the family resided in County Meath and subsequently County Sligo. Justice Caroline Biggs imposed a sentence of twelve and a half years imprisonment, with two years post-release supervision to follow. The court heard evidence of assaults occurring in domestic settings and at Lough Gara, Gurteen. Doyle maintained his not-guilty plea throughout proceedings. The judge noted the absence of remorse while acknowledging his work history and lack of previous convictions as mitigating factors. She described the abuse as a systematic pattern causing near-complete destruction of the child victim's childhood. Martin Doyle pleaded not guilty.
2022-11-03 · Roscommon
Muiris Flynn, an electrician convicted of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Ms Áine O'Connor and Catherine Carey, drink-driving, and driving without insurance in Doon, Co Roscommon, on 24 September 2017, has won an unfair dismissal claim against Irish Rail. Flynn pleaded guilty to these charges and was sentenced in October 2019 to four years in prison, with the final 30 months suspended. Although the Court of Appeal later deemed the original sentence unduly lenient, it did not increase the active custody portion, instead imposing a €20,000 fine. Irish Rail terminated Flynn's employment in March 2020, arguing his contract was frustrated by his imprisonment. However, the Workplace Relations Commission rejected this argument. Adjudicating officer Brian Dolan found that Irish Rail failed to consult Flynn and that his absence did not necessitate termination. The tribunal awarded Flynn €4,000 in compensation, noting that while his conduct contributed to the dismissal, the employer had not proven the contract ended by frustration. This decision upholds Flynn's complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, confirming that his dismissal was unlawful despite his criminal conviction and imprisonment.
2022-05-18 · Cavan
Two Mannok companies have initiated High Court proceedings against Sean Quinn, alleging trespass on Swanlinbar Quarry in County Cavan. Mannok Cement Limited and Mannok Build Ltd seek an injunction to restrain Mr Quinn from entering the site, which they claim he has accessed without entitlement on several occasions since late 2019. The firms allege the most recent alleged trespass occurred on 8 May when Mr Quinn was reportedly seen driving on the lands. The companies argue that as active industrial sites with operating heavy machinery, Mr Quinn's presence creates significant health and safety risks and that only authorised personnel may be present. The firms state they are uncertain of Mr Quinn's purpose but believe his actions constitute defiance towards management. The companies note that Mr Quinn previously gave an undertaking before Belfast Court in 2021 not to trespass on lands at Doon, County Fermanagh. On Wednesday, Ms Justice Siobhan Stack granted permission to serve short notice of the proceedings at Mr Quinn's address in Ballyconnell, County Cavan, on an ex-parte basis.
2022-02-08 · Sligo
Muiris Flynn, a 32-year-old electrician from Co Sligo, is appealing his unfair dismissal from Iarnród Éireann to the Workplace Relations Commission. Flynn, who pleaded guilty in 2019 to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Ms Áine O'Connor and Catherine Carey, drink-driving, and driving without insurance in Co Roscommon, was sentenced to 30 months in prison with the final year suspended. He served 10 months of this sentence. In March 2020, while incarcerated, he received a letter terminating his contract due to frustration. Iarnród Éireann's solicitor, John Brosnan, stated the company relied on legal advice that Flynn could not fulfil his contract while in jail and that a disciplinary process was inappropriate. Flynn's barrister, Michael Kinsey, argued the dismissal was a "flag of convenience" and highlighted that Flynn's employee handbook allowed for leave of absence up to two years. Adjudicating officer Brian Dolan noted the termination letter was sent halfway through Flynn's term, questioning the legal basis of frustration. The matter was adjourned, with the adjudicator to issue a decision in due course based on case law and Flynn's evidence. Separately, the Court of Appeal previously found Flynn's original sentence unduly lenient but did not increase his active custody, instead ordering a €20,000 fine.
2021-12-20 · Dublin
In a High Court trial-stage proceeding, Mr Justice Charles Meenan granted ex-parte leave to three applicants to challenge their exclusion from the State compensation scheme. The applicants, Anthony Duff, Ian Dunne, and Mark McNevin, are alleged to have been victims of serious assaults in 2004, 2008, and 2018, respectively. They claim the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal unlawfully refused their applications because they were submitted outside the allowed time limit. The applicants argue that changes to the scheme in April 2021, which introduced an absolute two-year limit, constitute a retrospective and unlawful interference with their rights. They seek orders quashing the refusals and declarations that the Tribunal breached fair procedures and natural justice. The judge requested that counsel identify one or two lead actions to determine all issues and save court time. Counsel agreed that hearing a lead action was the best approach. The matters were all adjourned to a date in early February.
2020-11-24 · Roscommon
The Court of Appeal has upheld a finding that the sentence imposed on Muiris Flynn, a 31-year-old appellant, was unduly lenient for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm, drink driving, and driving without insurance at Doon near Boyle on September 24, 2017. Flynn pleaded guilty to all charges. While the three-judge panel nominated a headline sentence of six years, they decided not to increase the custodial element because Flynn had already been released from prison and secured new employment. Instead, the court imposed a €20,000 fine, describing it as a substantial part of his punishment. The unserved balance of the three-year custodial sentence was suspended. The court re-imposed the original driving disqualifications, acknowledging their adverse impact on his social and working life but deeming them an appropriate response to the devastating harm caused to the victims. Flynn was given until December 31, 2020, to pay the fine in a single instalment, with permission to pay through the Roscommon Town court office. The matter was not adjourned; the re-sentencing and fine payment deadline were finalized.
2020-10-30 · Sligo
The Court of Appeal has added a €20,000 fine to the sentence of Muiris Flynn, a 31-year-old appellant, following a successful DPP appeal against the undue leniency of his original sentence. Flynn pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm, drink driving, and driving without insurance at Doon near Boyle on September 24th, 2017. The original sentence, imposed by Judge Francis Comerford, was four years in prison for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm, with the final two and a half years suspended, alongside concurrent disqualifications for the other charges. The three-judge appellate court, presided over by Justice John Edwards, found the original sentence unduly lenient and nominated a headline sentence of six years. However, considering Flynn's release from prison, his finding of new employment, and the interests of justice in promoting reform, the court decided not to increase the custodial element. Instead, they suspended the unserved balance of the newly imposed three-year term and imposed the substantial €20,000 fine. The court re-imposed the same driving disqualifications as the circuit court, acknowledging the adverse impact on Flynn's social and working life but deeming it an appropriate response to the devastating harm caused to the victims.
2020-10-20 · Sligo
A 31-year-old man from Geevagh, County Sligo has had his sentence referred for review by the Court of Appeal after being convicted of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm, drink driving and driving without insurance. The offences arose from a collision on a country road near Boyle, County Roscommon, on 24 September 2017, when his vehicle struck two cyclists. One victim sustained spinal fractures and hip dislocation, requiring prolonged recovery and leaving her unable to return to her former employment as a teacher. The other cyclist suffered significant pelvic fractures and required intensive care treatment. At sentencing in Roscommon Circuit Court, the defendant received four years imprisonment with the final two and a half years suspended, along with an eight-year driving disqualification. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the sentence as unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal found the original sentence was indeed unduly lenient and determined that re-sentencing was necessary. The court indicated it would consider all available options, including the possibility of imposing a substantial fine. Judgement is expected by month's end.
2020-07-24 · Dublin
Derek Devoy, 37, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to 17 years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, for a series of violent offences committed on 11 March 2019. He admitted possession of a 9mm Makarov PM63 RAK submachine gun with intent to endanger life and of a Yugoslavian M75 hand grenade with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury. Devoy discharged the gun twice in public and again while being restrained by Gardaí in a bathroom, narrowly missing a garda's head. A hand grenade was found on the floor without its safety mechanism; it was later detonated in a controlled explosion, rendering the house uninhabitable. The court noted Devoy's 27 previous convictions, including two firearm offences, and his personal history of family tragedy. He pleaded guilty to all charges, which led to a 15 % discount on the headline sentence of 20 years, resulting in the 17‑year term.
2020-06-22 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court heard the case of Derek Devoy, 37, who was arrested for possessing a Makarov submachine gun and a Yugoslavian M75 hand grenade with intent to endanger life. Devoy also pleaded guilty to assaulting a garda and a garda sergeant, and to possessing an explosive substance. The incident began when three unarmed gardaí on patrol received a 999 call about Devoy in Doon Court. A chase led to a family house on Crannogue Road where Devoy was found sitting on a toilet with the gun. The firearm discharged, narrowly missing Sergeant Andrew O'Connor and Garda Niall Minnock, and a grenade lay on the floor. Gardaí restrained Devoy, who was later taken to Ballymun Garda Station and then hospital for a perforated ulcer. CCTV footage of Devoy with the gun and grenade was shown to the court. The case was adjourned to 23 July for sentencing.
2020-02-17 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 17 February 2020, Derek Devoy, aged 37, pleaded guilty to possessing a RAK‑PM63 sub‑machine gun with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury at Crannogue Road, Ballymun, Dublin 11. The court accepted his single‑count plea and set a trial date of 10 June for two additional Public Order charges – assaulting a garda and a garda sergeant on the same day. Devoy had previously faced charges for possession of a Yugoslavian M75 hand grenade, a 9mm Makarov PM 63 sub‑machine gun, and 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, all with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property. The case remains pending for the remaining charges. The court did not impose any sentence at this stage.
2019-08-08 · Dublin
A 36‑year‑old man named Derek Devoy has been ordered to stand trial before the Special Criminal Court, a non‑jury court, after the Director of Public Prosecutions applied for a Section 49 order. The court, composed of three judges, will hear the case on 8 October. Devoy was previously charged at Dublin District Court in March with possession of a RAK‑PM63 submachine gun, a Yugoslavian M75 hand grenade, a 9mm Makarov PM63 submachine gun, and 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, all with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury. He is also charged under the Public Order Act for assaulting a garda and a garda sergeant on the same day. The court has accepted the DPP's request that the ordinary courts are inadequate to secure effective justice in this matter. The case will proceed in the Special Criminal Court.
2019-04-04 · Dublin
Sean Jackson, 27, of Doon Court, Ballymun, was jailed for biting a large portion of another man's ear off in the smoking area of Ardlea Inn, Dublin 5, after a very minor altercation on 23 August 2014. He had no memory of the incident due to intoxication and pleaded not guilty to assault causing serious harm. A jury found him guilty and Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to five years imprisonment on 4 December 2017. Jackson had 24 prior convictions, including drug possession and public order offences. In the Court of Appeal, Justice Isobel Kennedy upheld the sentence, noting the violent and unprovoked nature of the attack and that intoxication was not a mitigating factor. The appeal was dismissed with no error found. The case remains at the five‑year imprisonment stage.
2018-04-26 · Limerick
The Court of Appeal has increased the prison sentences of cousins Michael Casey and David Casey, who pleaded guilty to a series of burglaries, including an incident at the home of John O'Donoghue in Doon on August 27, 2015, where Mr. O'Donoghue collapsed and died. The original sentence of four-and-a-half years imprisonment, with the final year suspended, imposed by Judge Tom O'Donnell at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court in December 2016, was found to be unduly lenient following a review by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, re-sentenced both men to seven years imprisonment, with the final eight months suspended. This decision was based on aggravating factors, including the pre-planned nature of the burglary spree, the ransacking of a dwelling, and the serious harm caused to the victim. The court also established new sentencing guidelines for burglary, categorizing offenses into mid-range and highest categories based on factors such as planning, violence, and previous convictions. The Caseys received concurrent terms for other related offenses, and the court emphasized the need for general deterrence in cases involving residential burglaries in rural areas.
2018-02-19 · Limerick
The Court of Appeal has remanded cousins Michael Casey and David Casey in custody until April 17, the date set for judgment on their appeal. Both men pleaded guilty to a series of burglaries, including an incident at the home of John O'Donoghue in Doon on August 27, 2015. Mr O'Donoghue collapsed and died while confronting the intruders, who fled without assistance. In December 2016, Judge Tom O'Donnell at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court sentenced both to four-and-a-half years imprisonment, with the final year suspended. The Director of Public Prosecutions sought a review, arguing the sentences were unduly lenient. Counsel Thomas O'Malley BL submitted that the men targeted four properties and entered three, noting David Casey was on bail at the time. While it was not alleged that the Caseys directly caused Mr O'Donoghue's death, a causative link was identified. The DPP urged the court to treat residential burglary as a "special case" due to its severe social impact. The three-judge panel, comprising Justices Birmingham, Mahon, and Edwards, found the original sentences unduly lenient. As the Caseys are due for release in mid-April, days before the judgment, the court ordered them to remain in custody until the decision is handed down on April 17.
2017-12-18 · Limerick
In a Court of Appeal hearing on 18 December 2017, the court found that the 4½‑year sentences imposed on cousins Michael Casey (34) and David Casey (23) for a fatal burglary at the home of 62‑year‑old John O'Donoghue were unduly lenient. The men had pleaded guilty to a series of burglaries, including the incident on 27 August 2015 when O'Donoghue collapsed and died as he confronted the intruders. Judge Tom O'Donnell had originally sentenced them at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to four‑and‑a‑half years, with the final year suspended. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the harm caused, including the distress of O'Donoghue's sister who witnessed his death, warranted a harsher penalty. The three‑judge panel, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, agreed and ordered a fresh sentencing hearing to be scheduled for January.
2017-12-14 · Limerick
Prosecutors seek a review of the sentences imposed on cousins Michael Casey (34) and David Casey (22) for a series of burglaries, including a fatal burglary at John O'Donoghue's home in Doon on 27 August 2015. The men pleaded guilty and were sentenced by Judge Tom O'Donnell at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to four-and-a-half years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended. The DPP argues the sentence was unduly lenient, citing the death of Mr O'Donoghue, the trauma to his sister, and the aggravated nature of the burglary spree. Counsel for the DPP highlighted the inherent risk of residential burglary and the need for a headline sentence that reflects the harm caused. The Court of Appeal reserved its judgment, while counsel for the defendants argued the suspended year was justified and that the defendants had shown remorse and personal difficulties. The case remains pending.
2017-12-04 · Dublin
Sean Jackson, aged 27, was convicted of biting off part of another man's ear in the smoking area of Ardlea Inn, Dublin 5, on 23 August 2014. The victim was using the outside smoking area when Jackson, who was highly intoxicated, bent down and bit a large part of the ear off. A witness saw the ear on the ground and alerted the Gardaí. Jackson had 24 previous convictions and was found guilty by a jury. Judge Martin Nolan described the assault as serious and reprehensible, noting the victim's impact statement that the top half of one ear was now missing. The judge imposed a five‑year prison sentence, citing moderate mitigation. Jackson's defence counsel argued the offence was out of character and due to extreme intoxication. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
2017-10-27 · Limerick
Alan McNamara, 51, of Mountfune, Murroe, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Andrew O'Donoghue. Found guilty last July, McNamara was convicted of killing the Road Tramps member at the club gates on June 20, 2015, during a territorial dispute. Justice Paul McDermott imposed the mandatory life sentence, backdating it to December 1, 2015. McNamara's stepson, Robert Cusack, 28, of Abington, Murroe, pleaded guilty to impeding his stepfather's apprehension. Cusack was sentenced to six years in prison, with 18 months suspended for two years on condition he commits no further crime. The judge noted Cusack's late guilty plea and cooperation with gardai reduced the sentence from seven years. The sentence was backdated to August 14 to account for time in custody. The court heard from the victim's family, who described O'Donoghue as a hero who will never be forgotten. McNamara expressed remorse in a letter to the court. The judge considered McNamara's 11 previous convictions, including assault and drug offenses, and Cusack's three prior road traffic convictions.
2017-10-27 · Limerick
Alan McNamara, 51, of Mountfune, Murroe, Co Limerick, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Andrew O'Donoghue. Found guilty last July, McNamara was convicted of killing O'Donoghue, a member of the Road Tramps motorcycle club, at the club's gates on June 20, 2015, during a territorial dispute. Justice Paul McDermott imposed the mandatory life sentence, backdating it to December 1, 2015. Prosecutors alleged that after tensions flared between the Road Tramps and the Caballeros, McNamara drove to the clubhouse and shot O'Donoghue, claiming he believed the victim was holding a gun. McNamara has 11 previous convictions, including assault and drug offences. His stepson, Robert Cusack, 28, of Abington, Murroe, pleaded guilty to impeding his stepfather's apprehension. Cusack admitted to taking the shotgun from McNamara after the incident and concealing it in pine trees near his mother's house. He expressed remorse and complied with bail conditions. Justice McDermott stated he would pass sentence on Cusack later that afternoon. The matter regarding Cusack was adjourned for sentencing and has not yet been concluded.
2017-08-02 · Limerick
A Limerick biker, Alan 'Cookie McNamara, 51, from Mountfune, Murroe, Co Limerick, was found guilty of the murder of Andrew 'AOD' O'Donoghue at the gates of the Road Tramps motorcycle club at Mountfune on June 20, 2015, by a jury in the Central Criminal Court. The case was heard at the sentence procedural stage. McNamara had pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. The jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty. The matter was adjourned, and McNamara was remanded in custody for sentencing on October 27th. Robert Cusack, 28, of Abington, Murroe, Co Limerick, had pleaded not guilty to impeding McNamara's apprehension but later changed his plea to guilty. Alan McNamara had also pleaded not guilty to the charge of impeding McNamara's apprehension. No findings or sentences were recorded for Robert Cusack or Alan McNamara. The case was not finalised, and no suspended portions, effective custody, conditions, or adjournments were specified for the other named case subjects.
2017-07-24 · Limerick
In a case at the Central Criminal Court, Robert Cusack, aged 28, pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of his stepfather, Alan 'Cookie' McNamara, who is on trial for the murder of Andrew 'AOD' O'Donoghue. Cusack had previously pleaded not guilty to the impeding offence but was re‑arraigned and entered a guilty plea. McNamara, aged 51, is accused of shooting O'Donoghue on 20 June 2015 at the Road Tramps motorcycle clubhouse in Mountfune, Murroe. He is a member of the Caballeros motorcycle club and has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. The trial continues, with the jury hearing evidence against McNamara tomorrow after the court's re‑organisation. Justice Paul McDermott informed the jury that Cusack's guilty plea was a matter for a later hearing and would not affect the current proceedings. The case remains in progress.
2017-07-21 · Limerick
At the sentence stage of the trial, Alan 'Cookie' McNamara (51), from Mountfune, Murroe, Co Limerick, pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Andrew 'AOD' O'Donoghue on Saturday June 20, 2015 at Mountfune, as well as to impeding his apprehension knowing or believing him to have committed a serious offence. Robert Cusack (28), of Abington, Murroe, also pleaded not guilty to impeding Mr McNamara's apprehension. Sgt Louise Casey, acting as the garda in charge at Roxboro Rd Garda Station during Mr McNamara's detention, provided details of his interviews with gardai. Alan McNamara's plea was not guilty, and no finding or sentence was recorded at this stage. The matter was adjourned and will continue next week in front of Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of seven men and four women.
2017-07-20 · Limerick
A trial is ongoing before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of seven men and four women at the Circuit Criminal Court in Limerick. Alan 'Cookie' McNamara (51), from Mountfune, Murroe, Co Limerick, is on trial for the alleged murder of Andrew 'AOD' O'Donoghue on Saturday June 20, 2015, at Mountfune. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge and also to impeding his apprehension knowing or believing him to have committed a serious offence. Robert Cusack (28), of Abington, Murroe, is also on trial and has pleaded not guilty to impeding Mr McNamara's apprehension. Alan McNamara, the accused, has not entered a plea. Sergeant Brian O'Connor and Detective Garda Niall Fitzgerald testified that Mr McNamara told gardai that members of the Road Tramps motorcycle group had threatened to burn his home down with his family inside. Detective Garda Ursula Cummins of the ballistics section at Garda HQ testified that a 12-gauge shotgun cartridge found at the scene of the shooting was fired from a gun found in a wooded area behind Mr McNamara's home. The gun was sawn to a barrel length of 37cm, which is below the minimum legal length of 60cm for a shotgun in Ireland. The trial continues tomorrow.
2017-07-19 · Limerick
The murder trial of Alan 'Cookie' McNamara and Robert Cusack continues before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. McNamara, 51, from Mountfune, Co Limerick, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Andrew O'Donoghue on June 20, 2015. Cusack, 28, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged offence of impeding McNamara's apprehension. The jury reviewed CCTV footage showing a man brandishing a firearm at the Road Tramps clubhouse gates, where O'Donoghue was allegedly shot. Prosecution evidence included a sawn-off shotgun found in a wooded area behind McNamara's home and various weapons, including a pipe bomb and improvised firearm, discovered at the clubhouse. Gardaí testified that they arrested both defendants in Garryowen, Limerick, on the evening of the incident. A typed document listing 41 names, including 'Cookie' and 'Rob Cusack', was also found at McNamara's residence. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded at this procedural stage.
2017-07-17 · Limerick
The Court of Appeal has fixed December 14 as the date for the hearing of the Director of Public Prosecutions' application to review the sentences of cousins Michael Casey and David Casey. Prosecutors intend to argue that the prison terms imposed for a "fatal burglary" were "unduly lenient." The men, aged 34 and 22 respectively, had previously pleaded guilty to a series of burglaries, including an incident at the home of John O'Donoghue at Toomaline, Doon, on August 27, 2015. In December 2016, Judge Tom O'Donnell at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court sentenced both defendants to four-and-a-half years imprisonment, with the final year suspended. The DPP is seeking a review on the grounds that these sentences are unduly lenient. Prosecuting counsel John G O'Sullivan BL characterized the offense as a fatal burglary. The Caseys were not present in court when the hearing date was fixed. This procedural stage involves the appellate review of the original sentencing decision rather than a new trial on the merits of the charges.
2017-07-17 · Limerick
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, May McNamara, wife of 51‑year‑old Alan McNamara, testified that she has lived in fear for the last two years following the 2015 shooting of Andrew O'Donoghue. She described how, after a night out on 19 June 2015, she found her husband on the ground with a "big man on top of his back" and a third man holding her back. She identified the men as Kevin Ryan, Jim 'Bob' McInerney and Dermot McKenna. She recounted a later encounter when a car with three men, one armed, threatened to kill her husband and burn their house. She also mentioned that her son Robert Cusack, 28, pleaded not guilty to an offence related to her husband's case. The trial, with Mr McNamara pleading not guilty to murder, continues before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
2017-07-14 · Limerick
During a Garda search of a biker's clubhouse and vehicles linked to the 2015 shooting death of Andrew O'Donoghue, a cache of weapons was uncovered. The items included two shotguns, pepper spray, iron bars, axe handles, knuckle dusters and knives. The investigation was part of the murder trial of Alan McNamara, who is charged with O'Donoghue's death and has pleaded not guilty. McNamara's stepson, Robert Cusack, also pleaded not guilty to an offence of impeding the apprehension of McNamara. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, also heard testimony from Seamus Duggan, a Road Tramps member, who identified the weapons as being kept for protection at the club. Duggan's evidence, along with that of other Road Tramps members, was presented to the defence counsel, Hugh Hartnett SC, and the prosecution, Michael Delaney SC. The case continues before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
2017-07-13 · Limerick
In a Limerick murder trial, Alan McNamara (50) pleaded not guilty to the 2015 shooting death of Andrew O'Donoghue (51). McNamara, a former Road Tramps member who joined the Caballeros, allegedly fired a sawn‑off shotgun at O'Donoghue during a territorial dispute between the two clubs. The incident began when McNamara, wearing Caballeros colours, was confronted by Road Tramps members in Doon, a Road Tramps area. After a confrontation, McNamara allegedly shot O'Donoghue at point‑blank range. Robert Cusack (28), McNamara's stepson, was charged with impeding his apprehension and also pleaded not guilty. Both men are being tried together at the Central Criminal Court, with the trial continuing before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. The prosecution presented evidence of the clubs' territorial conflict and the sequence of events leading to the fatal shooting.
2015-02-02 · Dublin
In February 2015, a 40‑year‑old man named Jason White pleaded guilty in Dublin Central Criminal Court to harassing and threatening a neighbour, Jacqueline Hogg, over a three‑month period in 2012. White admitted harassing Hogg between St Patrick's Day and 7 July 2012, threatening to burn her house, and making violent threats to her family. He also threatened to damage the house, shouted threats from his upstairs window, and was found very drunk and aggressive. The court heard that youths had been drinking at his house, causing anti‑social behaviour, and that Hogg lived in a constant state of fear. Judge Patrick McCartan imposed a six‑month jail sentence suspended for two years, ordered White not to return to his former home in Doon Court, and noted his cooperation with Probation Services. White had three prior convictions for assault and criminal damage.