Court archive
Court reports mentioning Kilmallock, Limerick
2025-12-05 · Limerick
A bride who fell from a second-storey hotel window on her wedding night, suffering serious injuries, has resolved her personal injury claim at the High Court. Jackie Sexton (nee Tyrrell) brought a case against Deebert House Hotel Ltd, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, following the incident that occurred in the early hours after her February 29, 2020, wedding. The hotel denied liability, claiming that windows had been properly fitted with restrictors in 2014 and were in compliance with building standards. Ms Sexton alleged negligence and breach of duty, arguing that the hotel failed to ensure her safety. She told the court that she and her husband returned to the hotel around 3:30am and went to room 217. She said she was smoking a cigarette at the window when she fell, and the next thing she remembered was waking up in hospital the following day. Her husband found her missing from the bedroom and heard her moaning from below the window. Ms Sexton suffered multiple fractures, a collapsed lung, and other injuries, which significantly impacted her life and career.
2025-10-14 · Limerick
Alex Masuku, 34, was sentenced at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to assault causing harm and possession of a weapon. The offences occurred at Cloonishlawn, Ballina, Co Mayo, on November 21, 2023. Judge Eoin Garavan noted that Masuku assaulted his friend in front of the victim's two-year-old daughter, causing facial injuries that required stitching, and threatened him with a hammer. Although Masuku claimed the attack was provoked by a video, the judge found no evidence such a video existed, describing the behaviour as baseless. Judge Garavan set a headline sentence of three years but reduced this to two years, fully suspended, citing mitigating factors including Masuku's 22-year crime-free record in Ireland and a probation report indicating low risk of re-offending. Masuku was ordered to pay €3,000 to the victim within six months and complete a MOVE course. He must also keep the peace for three years, undergo Probation Service supervision for one year, and undertake any advised mental health treatment. The court acknowledged the victim's ongoing stress and anxiety, as well as the trauma experienced by the child witness.
2024-07-03 · Limerick
In a High Court case in Limerick, Westglade Unlimited Company and Timothy Carroll, who bought farmland at Ballycullane, Kilmallock, for €1m from a receiver appointed by Everyday Finance DAC, claim that former owners William and Anna Kennedy still occupy the land and keep horses there. The plaintiffs say the Kennedys refuse to give up vacant possession and have threatened them, saying the next person to unlock the gate will be shot. They also allege that the Kennedys blocked access with vehicles and posted a "No unauthorised person allowed" sign. The plaintiffs had previously offered a goodwill payment of about €275,000, but the Kennedys' actions have prevented any settlement. They seek injunctions to stop the Kennedys from occupying the land and to remove a lis pendens registered over the property. The case was heard by Mr Justice Mark Sanfey, who granted the plaintiffs permission to serve short notice of the proceedings and will hear the matter again next week.
2022-12-14 · Cork
Michael Leonard, aged 63, was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering 72‑year‑old Mary O'Keeffe by burning her alive in a car fire at Doneraile, Co Cork, on 4 February last year. Leonard had met O'Keeffe at a wooded area, poured two gallons of petrol into her car and set it on fire shortly after she arrived. A post‑mortem confirmed she was alive when the fire started and that her death was caused by extreme third‑degree burns and inhalation of carbon monoxide. O'Keeffe, a widow and cook, had known Leonard since 2016 and had ended their relationship in 2019. Leonard, who had no prior convictions, was found in the River Awbeg the day after the murder and was arrested the following day. The court described the attack as the most horrific fire‑related murder and expressed condolences to O'Keeffe's family. The sentencing judge imposed the mandatory life term for murder.
2022-11-28 · Cork
Michael Leonard, 63, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to murdering 72‑year‑old Mary O'Keeffe in Doneraile, Co. Cork, on 4 February 2021. His body was found in a burning car. Leonard was denied bail and remains in custody. The court adjourned sentencing to 14 December to allow the family to give an impact statement. No evidence of the murder was heard at the arraignment. Leonard, a former Coillte employee, stated he would not approach any witness or speak to anyone about the case except his solicitor. The post‑mortem, conducted by Assistant State Pathologist Margaret Bolster, was not released. O'Keeffe, a cook from Dromahane, is survived by her three sons. The case is pending sentencing.
2022-02-14 · Limerick
Daniel Kelly, aged 35, was convicted and jailed for two years after a high‑speed chase in County Limerick. He had repeatedly rammed Garda patrol cars, driven at 130 kph in 80 kph zones, and collided with other vehicles while evading arrest. The jury found him guilty of one count of damaging property, one count of endangerment, and three counts of dangerous driving. He was banned from driving for six years. Kelly appealed, claiming the trial judge erred in law and fact, and that the judge failed to properly instruct the jury on the lack of forensic examination of his van. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, ruling that the judge's conduct was not unfair and that the jury instructions were adequate. The convictions and bans remain in force.
2021-05-06 · Cork
Michael Leonard, 63, of Hillcrest, Glenosheen, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, was denied bail by the High Court after being accused of murdering 72‑year‑old Mary O'Keeffe in Doneraile, Co Cork, on 4 February 2021. Leonard appeared at the hearing by video‑link. Detective Sergeant James O'Shea, of Fermoy Garda Station, argued that the evidence was strong, the charge serious, and that Leonard might interfere with witnesses. He described the scene where a burning vehicle was found at 2.20 pm on 4 February, containing Ms O'Keeffe's body. Leonard's defence, led by Mr Marc Thompson Grolimund BL, highlighted his client's 41‑year work record with Coillte and his recent retirement, and offered a €10,000 bond and a vacant property address for bail if granted. Mr Leonard pledged not to approach witnesses. Judge Robert Eager cited the "appalling" death and the seriousness of the murder charge in denying bail.
2018-11-12 · Limerick
The Revenue Commissioners' application to wind up Munster Football Club Ltd, trading as Limerick FC, was struck out by the High Court. The collector general had petitioned for the club's liquidation over unpaid taxes, including PAYE and PRSI, but the amount was not disclosed. The court heard that the matter had been resolved and no club representation was made. Limerick FC, a former League of Ireland champion, had recently been relegated to the 1st Division after a play‑off loss to Finn Harps.
2018-10-22 · Limerick
The High Court has adjourned an application by the Revenue Commissioners to wind up Limerick FC, a League of Ireland Premier Division club. The Collector General has petitioned to have Munster Football Club Ltd, trading as Limerick FC, wound up following an alleged failure to pay a tax demand issued in mid-September for outstanding PAYE and PRSI contributions. The company's registered address is listed at Kirby O'Sullivan Sports, Social & Business Park, Bruff, County Limerick. During a brief mention before Mr Justice David Keane, counsel for the Collector General informed the court that both parties had agreed to adjourn the petition for three weeks. The court will revisit the matter once Limerick FC's senior men's team completes their remaining fixtures, including a promotion and relegation play-off against Donegal side Finn Harps.