The High Court approved a scheme of arrangement for Nordic Aviation Capital DAC, an Irish aircraft lessor, to continue operating amid the Covid‑19 pandemic. Judge David Barniville granted the order after over 90% of creditors, both secured and unsecured, voted in favour. The scheme will suspend millions of euros in principal and interest payments due over the next six to twelve months on more than €5 billion of debt. It also requires shareholders to inject US$60 million, cuts non‑essential spending, and defers a US$1.5 billion committed capital programme while eliminating a US$5.7 billion uncommitted programme. Delivery of new aircraft is reduced from 21 to eight. The arrangement was presented by counsel Lyndon MacCann SC and supported by all creditor groups, with no objections recorded. The court noted that without the scheme the company feared running out of cash by the end of July.
The High Court has ruled that three properties in the west of Ireland owned by John McCormack were purchased with the proceeds of crime. Mr Justice Alexander Owens registered a judgement against the 48-year-old defendant, who denied the accusations. The properties, located at Purcell Park and Cloontara West in Co Clare, and Claughan Fort in Co Limerick, were acquired between 1995 and 2011. The Central Bank of Ireland (CAB) brought the case under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996, alleging McCormack has led organised criminal activities since the 1990s, including drug importation, stolen goods dealing, and cash-in-transit robberies. The judge noted McCormack was previously convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment on February 14, 1994. Rejecting McCormack's claim that his income derived from legitimate businesses such as joinery and plant hire, the judge found these were sidelines financed by criminal activity. The court concluded that the only credible explanation for the funding gap was proceeds from serious crime. Consequently, the judge made interlocutory orders under Section 3(1) of the Act regarding the three properties. While the CAB did not claim four further properties in Fuerteventura, the judge noted issues regarding their financing. The matter was finalised with the registration of the judgement and the issuance of these specific orders.
Six women and five men, aged 26 to 77, pleaded not guilty to 36 charges of sexual abuse, exploitation and neglect of four children in County Limerick. The indictment lists 300 charges, including rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, child cruelty and neglect under Section 246 of the Children Act 2001, and failure to report alleged crimes to Gardaí. The alleged victims are two boys and two girls, with offences alleged to have occurred between June 2014 and August 2017 at various locations in the Limerick region. All defendants are on bail and cannot be named to protect the children's identities. A provisional trial date is set for early next year in Dublin, with the court hearing that most lawyers seek separate trials. The case is scheduled for hearing on 16 November by Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
The Central Criminal Court will resume jury trials from the end of August across multiple venues in an effort to address the significant backlog of cases suspended during coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Mr Justice Paul McDermott announced that trials will be listed in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Castlebar, with Dublin and Cork hosting proceedings for five weeks from August 31st, while the other locations will accommodate trials for shorter periods. Two pilot trials are scheduled to commence in Dublin on July 20th to test safety protocols and social distancing measures. Justice McDermott acknowledged that although resumption of trials represents progress, the capacity will address only approximately 25 per cent of adjourned cases. He noted the impact on complainants, families, and bereaved persons, as well as the continued custody status of numerous accused persons awaiting trial. Courts were adapted with screens and safety measures to facilitate jury proceedings while maintaining public health requirements.
Larry McCarthy Jr., 43, of Tower Lodge, Old Cork Road, Limerick, was denied bail by the Special Criminal Court on 1 July 2020. He is charged with providing a vehicle to the McCarthy‑Dundon gang for the attempted murder of Christy Keane at the University of Limerick car park on 29 June 2015. The court heard that the State, represented by State barrister Ms Anne‑Marie Lawlor SC, objected to bail on the grounds that McCarthy could commit a serious offence while on bail, was a flight risk, and might interfere with witnesses. Garda evidence from Detective Garda Donnacha Coakley and Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche cited Sections 2 and 2(A) of the Bail Act. Judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens refused bail and remanded McCarthy in custody until 14 September. Two co‑accused, Noel Price, 42, and John Costello, 39, were also remanded to the same date.
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.
Padraig Tangney Junior, aged 39, received a suspended two‑year prison sentence for three counts of sexual assault of a child committed when he was 16. The offences occurred in 1995 and 1996 against his 13‑year‑old cousin at their family home in Tralee, Co. Kerry. Tangney pleaded guilty, and Justice Tara Burns noted his remorse and the fact that he was a child at the time of the offences, citing these as mitigating factors. The court accepted that the victim was extremely fragile and that Tangney's guilty pleas were valuable. He was found to be a low risk of reoffending, and the sentence was suspended on the condition he attends counselling for depression and stress management. Tangney is automatically registered as a sex offender, and the maximum sentence available is five years. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.
Patrick Byrnes, aged 80, was convicted in 2018 by a Central Criminal Court jury of 58 indecent assault charges and two rapes committed between 1975 and 1985. The offences began when his daughters were about seven years old and continued twice weekly for ten years, largely in the family home. Byrnes, a retired taxi driver, denied all charges and claimed the prosecution had failed to properly address alleged fabrication and collusion by the complainants. He appealed on the basis that the trial judge had not adequately directed the jury on how to treat evidence from the two daughters. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, noting that while a perfect trial is ideal, a fair trial is required. Byrnes was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment, with two years suspended, by Justice Paul McDermott in October 2018.
The Special Criminal Court denied bail to John Costello, 39, of Hennessy Avenue, Kileely, Co Limerick, who is accused of facilitating the attempted murder of Christy Keane at the University of Limerick car park on 29 June 2015. Mr Costello is charged with knowledge of the existence of the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation and providing transport to persons with the intention of facilitating the offence. State counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC submitted Garda objection to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing a risk of further serious offences. Mr Justice Alexander Owens refused the application and remanded Mr Costello in custody until September 14 for the preparation of the Book of Evidence. Two co-accused were also remanded to the same date. Larry McCarthy, 42, of Tower Lodge, Old Cork Road, Limerick City, is charged with making a vehicle available to the criminal organisation between 27 and 29 June 2015. Noel Price, 42, of Kileely Road, Kileely, Limerick City, faces the same charge under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment. The matter was adjourned for the preparation of the Book of Evidence.
The Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard that a 39‑year‑old man pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault against his 13‑year‑old cousin in 1995 and 1996. The victim, whose identity is protected, said the assaults occurred when the defendant was about 16. She described the first assault as the defendant rubbing his genitals against her outside her clothing and threatening her mother with a heart attack. In a second incident he pushed her onto a bed and molested her; she pushed him off but was too afraid to report it. The victim and her mother approached Gardaí around 1999, but no prosecution was pursued. The victim emigrated and could not attend the hearing; her impact statement was read by the prosecutor. The defendant expressed remorse, citing his youth and lack of awareness of wrongdoing, and requested a non‑custodial sentence. Justice Tara Burns adjourned sentencing to 18 June and remanded the defendant on bail.
The High Court has authorised Nordic Aviation Capital DAC, a leading aircraft lessor headquartered in Limerick, to pursue a scheme of arrangement with its creditors. The court heard that the Covid‑19 pandemic has severely impacted the company's business, with a sharp decline in cash collections—only 20% of expected payments were received in April—and a projected cash shortfall by July. The proposed scheme would grant a six‑to‑twelve‑month standstill on approximately €5 billion of debt, covering principal and interest, and would allow the group to continue operating its fleet of about 500 aircraft. Additional measures include a US$60 million injection from shareholders, a reduction of non‑essential spending, elimination of a US$5.7 billion uncommitted capital programme, deferral of a US$1.5 billion committed programme, and a cut in new aircraft deliveries from 21 to eight.
Two men appeared before the Special Criminal Court on charges relating to an alleged attempted murder in Limerick in 2015. John Costello, aged 39, of Hennessy Avenue, Kileely, County Limerick, faced charges of knowledge of the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation and providing transport to facilitate the attempted murder of Christy Keane at University of Limerick car park on 29 June 2015. Larry McCarthy, aged 42, of Tower Lodge, Old Court Road, Limerick City, was charged with making a vehicle available to the same criminal organisation in connection with the alleged incident between 27 and 29 June 2015. Both charges fall under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. McCarthy was arrested in Buncrana, County Donegal. The court heard an application for medical attention regarding an injury sustained by McCarthy. Both men were remanded in custody, with the cases adjourned to 12 June.
Daniel Wyse, 36, has appealed his conviction for the alleged possession of drugs for sale or supply at Halfway Crossroads, Rathduff, Co. Cork. Wyse was originally charged in February 2014 after Gardaí attempted to stop his vehicle, which subsequently collided with a patrol car after mounting an embankment. A package of heroin, valued at over €37,000, was found in the jeep. Wyse claimed he was unaware of the drugs and was travelling to Limerick to obtain identity papers for his pet Chihuahua. A jury found him guilty, and Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin sentenced him to 10 years in prison in February 2016, suspending the final 18 months. In the current appeal before the Court of Appeal, his counsel, Seamus Clarke SC, argued that the trial judge should have directed an acquittal if it was reasonably possible Wyse did not know of the drugs. He further contended that the judge's charge insufficiently addressed circumstantial evidence and the chain of custody, specifically citing errors in the labelling of the drugs. Clarke also argued that the trial judge should have granted a second senior counsel given the minimum sentence. The State's counsel, Imelda Kelly BL, countered that no requisition regarding circumstantial evidence or labelling was made at trial and that the appointment of senior counsel was discretionary. The matter was adjourned, with the court reserving judgment to be delivered as soon as possible.
Lawyers informed a High Court judge that the State intends to conduct a single trial for six women and five men accused of multiple offences involving alleged sexual abuse and neglect of children. The 11 defendants, aged between 25 and 76, face more than 200 charges, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation and child cruelty and neglect under Section 246 of the Children Act 2001. The alleged victims are all juveniles, and the offences are said to have occurred at various locations in Limerick between 2014 and 2016. The defendants, who have addresses in several Munster counties, were arrested and charged earlier last year, and books of evidence were served on them at a District Court sitting in November. The case was listed for mention in the Central Criminal Court, where Mr Justice Paul McDermott heard applications concerning disclosure of material by the prosecution to the defence teams.
John Slattery, aged 30 and known as John Flynn, was arrested early in the morning by 20 armed Gardaí in Limerick and extradited to the United States to face three wildlife‑trafficking charges. The High Court heard that Slattery had been on bail, which was due to expire at midnight, and that he had agreed to surrender himself to U.S. authorities. U.S. prosecutors allege that Slattery and two others purchased rhino horns in Austin, Texas, for €18,000, then sold them in New York for €50,000, using a Texas "straw buyer" because they were not local residents. They also allegedly bought two more horns in 2010 for €10,000 and acquired a consignment of horns at an auction in Macon, Missouri. Slattery had spent nine months in remand before being granted bail in April, with a €10,000 bond lodged.
In a Court of Appeal hearing, Dylan Hayes (25) and Ger Hogan (37) appealed convictions for the murder of Shane Murphy at a house‑party in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick. The appeal argued that the prosecution failed to prove joint enterprise and that the provocation defence was inadequately instructed. Hayes claimed he was provoked after a confrontation over alleged drug use, then stabbed Murphy with a knife, causing a heart wound and other injuries. Hogan was alleged to have participated in the attack, with witnesses stating he stabbed Murphy with a screwdriver, though the pathologist found only knife wounds. The DPP maintained that witnesses implicated both men in a common design, and that no evidence showed Hogan withdrew. The Court of Appeal reserved judgment, noting the complexity of the appeals and the need for further consideration. Dylan Hayes was found guilty. Ger Hogan was found guilty.
Two men, Dylan Hayes (25) and Ger Hogan (37), were convicted of murdering Shane Murphy at a house party in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, on 30 April 2015. The Central Criminal Court jury found them guilty and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy imposed a mandatory life sentence on each in May 2017. Hayes claimed he stabbed Murphy after a confrontation over alleged drug use, while Hogan was alleged to have participated in a joint enterprise, attacking Murphy with a screwdriver and encouraging Hayes. The trial judge's charge on provocation was challenged by Hayes' counsel, who argued the jury was not properly instructed on the subjective element of the test. Hogan's counsel contested the use of words and acts attributed to Hogan, noting the pathologist's testimony that fatal wounds were caused by a knife, not a screwdriver. The Court of Appeal adjourned the appeal hearing to Thursday morning due to poor audio‑video link quality.
Patrick Byrnes, aged 80, was convicted in 2018 by a Central Criminal Court jury of 58 indecent assault charges and two rapes committed between 1975 and 1985. The abuse began when his daughters were about seven, the year of their First Communion, and continued for ten years, occurring mainly in the family home, a coal shed, and his car. Byrnes encouraged the family dog to participate in sexual acts with one daughter on three occasions. He was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment with two years suspended. Byrnes, a retired taxi driver, pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence. He has now lodged an appeal, arguing that the trial judge failed to properly address alleged fabrication and collusion by the complainants and that the jury was not given adequate directions on how to use their evidence. The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment.
John Slattery, a 30‑year‑old Limerick man who has changed his name to John Flynn, was granted bail by the High Court while awaiting extradition to the United States on allegations of wildlife trafficking. Slattery is accused of three offences in the US involving the purchase and sale of endangered black rhino horn. US authorities claim he and two others bought horns for $18,000 in Austin, Texas, then sold them for $50,000 in New York, and later bought additional horns for $10,000 between April and November 2010. They also allege that in early 2011 six horns were sold for $260,000 at an auction in Macon, Missouri. Slattery has spent about nine months in custody and has consented to extradition, but the Covid‑19 crisis has delayed the handover.
Interlink Ireland Ltd, trading as DPD, secured temporary High Court injunctions against two agents, Mr Joe Corcoran and Mr Bernard O'Brien, who sought to terminate their agreements amid the Covid‑19 emergency. The agents claimed they could no longer fulfil their duties, but Interlink argued no evidence was provided that the pandemic had materially affected their businesses. The agency agreements require six months' notice for termination, and Interlink has seen a surge in demand for essential deliveries during the pandemic. The court granted interim injunctions preventing the agents from ending the agreements and requiring them to continue operating as agreed. Interlink contended the agents were attempting to exploit the health crisis for commercial advantage, and the judge found the injunctions justified based on the evidence presented. The case will be revisited in a subsequent court session.
John Slattery, a 30‑year‑old Limerick man who has changed his name to John Flynn, is currently in custody awaiting extradition to the United States for alleged wildlife trafficking. He is accused of three offences involving the purchase and sale of endangered black rhino horn. US authorities claim that Slattery and two others bought horns for $18,000 in Austin, Texas, and later sold them for $50,000 in New York. They also allege that between April and November 2010 Slattery bought two more horns for $10,000 and that in early 2011 he and co‑accused sold six horns for $260,000 at an auction in Macon, Missouri. Slattery's counsel, Mark Lynam, said the client has agreed to extradition but that the Covid‑19 crisis prevents immediate surrender.
Helen Jones, aged 52, of Cahergal Avenue, Mayfield, Cork, is charged with aggravated burglary and the murder of her brother Paul Jones, aged 55, at his Bandon Road home on 4 September last year. She was denied bail by the High Court after objections from Gardaí. Her brother Liam Jones, who travelled from Cork to Dublin despite ill health, testified that he feared his sister would "come after me next" and that she had threatened to petrol‑bomb his girlfriend's house – allegations she denied. Helen Jones, who has emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, said she had not seen Liam for three and a half years and would have no contact if released. The judge, Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty, expressed sympathy for her medical conditions but found no bail conditions could assure safety. The case remains at the High Court stage, with a book of evidence to be served next week.
In October 2017, John Murdiff, aged 33, and an accomplice stole items from Andrew Stammers, a former heroin addict, in Adare Lane, Dublin. Stammers had overdosed that night, but it could not be determined whether he was dead when the theft occurred. Murdiff later returned to the lane, discovered Stammers was not breathing, and sought help. He was charged with theft and pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Murdiff had 50 prior convictions, including theft, public order, and assault causing harm. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, consecutive to a three‑year term for assault, after a judge noted his remorse and the tragic circumstances surrounding Stammers' death. The case highlighted the difficulties in determining the exact time of Stammers' death and the impact on his family.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has viewed video evidence from Ballymote Garda Station in which a man described to detectives how he killed his wife. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, from Crozon Park in Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The footage, recorded on 2 May 2018, showed Mr Karaczyn explaining to gardaí that he strangled his 30-year-old wife Natalia at their home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. During the interview, he demonstrated the actions using a toilet roll held in both hands. The court heard that Mr Karaczyn was placed on suicide watch by District Court order the day after his admission. Earlier interviews were also shown to the jury, in which Mr Karaczyn had denied involvement and alleged that an unknown man had threatened him. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury has heard evidence from the eighth garda interview with a 34-year-old man charged with the murder of his wife. The accused, from Crozon Park in Ballymote, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During questioning at Ballymote Garda Station on May 2nd, 2018, he admitted to strangling his wife following her return from a night out on April 29th, 2018. He told detectives he woke when she arrived home and, after she pushed and slapped him during an argument, he strangled her. He described feeling "very big regret and grief" afterwards. The accused also told gardai he subsequently moved her body to a car boot but dropped it on the kitchen floor as it was too heavy. In earlier interviews, he had provided an account involving threats from an unknown man, but later admitted these claims were false. The trial at the Central Criminal Court is continuing.
A man has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter following the death of his wife at their home in Crozon Park, Sligo, between 29 April and 1 May 2018. Rafal Karaczyn (34) denied to gardaí that he killed his wife because he was angry and jealous, the Central Criminal Court heard. The Acting State Pathologist gave evidence that the deceased, aged 30, died from asphyxia due to external pressure on the neck and that death was not instantaneous. Bruising on her left forearm may have been defensive injuries. The court heard that the accused initially denied involvement during his first four interviews with gardaí, later providing an account of discovering his wife in a distressed state and subsequently transporting and concealing her body. The trial continues.
A man on trial for murder told gardaí at Ballymote Garda Station in County Sligo to search for CCTV footage of a six-foot man with red hair, whom he claimed had threatened him with a gun weeks before his wife disappeared. The Central Criminal Court heard evidence from four interviews conducted with the accused on April 30th and May 1st, 2018. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his wife Natalia, aged 30, at their family home between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. The jury previously heard that on May 2nd, 2018, the accused told his sister-in-law he had strangled his wife. CCTV footage showed him moving her silver Peugeot car early on April 29th and driving towards Holywell Road. A former employer described him as gentle and mild-mannered. The trial continues.
A garda has testified at the Central Criminal Court that he discovered the body of a woman in a forested area off the Holywell Road near Ballymote, County Sligo, after being directed there by the accused man. Garda James Kenneally told the court that on the afternoon of May 1st, 2018, he located the partially concealed remains in dense woodland following specific directions from the defendant. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his wife, Natalia Karaczyn, aged 30, at their home between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. The garda also described earlier observations at the family home, including a washing machine containing dark shoes and the defendant's apparent anxiety when asked to contact his wife. Upon arrest on suspicion of murder, Karaczyn replied to caution by questioning what proof existed. The trial at the Central Criminal Court continues.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a jury heard evidence regarding the movements of a woman on the morning she died. CCTV footage showed the 30-year-old returning to her home in Crozon Park, Sligo at 6.23am on 29 April 2018 following a night out. Nearly two hours later, her husband sent a text to her phone asking "where are you?", the court heard. Garda evidence placed the defendant in a silver Peugeot at the time of the message, with footage tracking his movements that morning, including driving up the side of the house and later towards Holywell Road before returning home. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. A witness told the court she observed the defendant's wife and another individual kissing at a bar shortly before 3am that night. The trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon continues.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a trial heard evidence on Monday concerning the movements of a 30-year-old woman in the hours before her death. A man gave testimony that he accompanied the woman to his home in Sligo in the early morning of April 29th, 2018, and walked her partway home after approximately two hours. A garda told the court that CCTV footage showed the woman entering her family home at 6.23am that morning. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park in Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his wife between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. The trial, before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury, continues to hear evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.
In the High Court, Susan McGovern, a former prisoner at Limerick Women's Prison, brought a damages claim against the Irish Prison Service, the Minister for Justice, Ireland, the Attorney General, and the Governor of Limerick Prison. McGovern alleges that the slopping-out regime imposed on her between 2000 and 2003, and again from April 2012 to May 2013, constituted degrading treatment that breached her constitutional and European Convention on Human Rights. She claims that sleeping on mattresses in overcrowded, unhygienic cells without toilets, and using a shared bucket in plain view of cellmates, deprived her of human dignity and affected her physical and mental health. The State parties deny these allegations and argue the claim is statute-barred. Counsel for the State suggested the case be referred to a State redress board, following a Supreme Court ruling that awarded damages to former prisoner Gary Simpson for similar conditions. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds directed the State parties to file a defence within 12 weeks and adjourned the action. Separately, a claim by Christopher Coakley regarding his detention at Mountjoy Prison in 2011 and 2012 was mentioned before the Master of the High Court. Coakley alleged he was forced to defecate into a pot or bag in the presence of cellmates. Although an application to remit the claim to the Circuit Court was pending, the Master was informed that the matter had been resolved between the parties.
Brendan Sheehan, a former project manager at Flextronics, was convicted of fraudulently claiming over €300,000 in overtime payments between 2010 and 2014. He pleaded guilty to multiple theft counts and was sentenced to four years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, on 29 March 2019. Sheehan had overseen 'Project Stryker' and authorised overtime for ten employees, who then gave him a share of the payments, averaging €400 to €600 each. While some overtime work was performed, the exact amount could not be determined. After being released on a community service scheme, Sheehan's lawyers withdrew his appeal against the sentence, and the Court of Appeal allowed the withdrawal. The case was described by Judge O'Donnell as one of the most bizarre he had encountered.
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.
Limerick FC's High Court action against the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) was settled and struck out by Mr Justice Leoine Reynolds. The club had sued the FAI over an alleged failure to invite it to apply for a licence to play in the League of Ireland First Division in 2020, claiming this exclusion violated the FAI's own rules. Limerick also objected to the FAI allowing Shamrock Rovers B to enter the division, arguing the decision was made by the wrong body. After negotiations, the parties reached a confidential settlement, allowing Limerick to apply for a First Division licence. The court noted the settlement was agreed by the FAI's representatives, and Limerick's chairman expressed relief at regaining the ability to focus on the club's future. The case was formally dismissed following the settlement.
In a High Court hearing on 17 January 2020, Limerick Football Club (LFC) continued to pursue legal action against the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) over its alleged exclusion from the League of Ireland First Division. LFC, represented by Frank Callanan SC, argued that the FAI is required by its own rules to invite the club to apply for a licence, but has refused to do so, effectively barring LFC from competing in the 2020 season. The club also contended that the FAI allowed Shamrock Rovers B to enter the division, a move opposed by other clubs. LFC sought injunctions to compel the FAI to permit licence applications, prevent exclusion, and protect club assets, including its underage academy. The judge, acknowledging progress in negotiations, adjourned the matter to Monday's sitting to facilitate ongoing discussions.
In a High Court hearing on 16 January 2020, Limerick FC's legal action against the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) over its exclusion from the League of Ireland First Division was discussed. The club, represented by Murray Johnson SC, claimed that the FAI had failed to invite it to submit a licence application for the 2020 season, thereby excluding it from competition. Limerick also alleged that the FAI had allowed Shamrock Rovers B to enter the division, a move opposed by other clubs. The club sought injunctions to compel the FAI to permit its licence application, prevent its exclusion, and protect its assets, including its underage academy. The FAI, represented by Andrew Fitzpatrick SC, argued it had not declined to allow an application and that Limerick had not supplied required information before deadlines. The judge adjourned the case to Friday morning to allow the parties to negotiate a resolution. The proceedings remain ongoing.
Limerick FC, represented by Frank Callanan SC, has launched High Court proceedings against the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) regarding its alleged exclusion from the 2020 League of Ireland First Division. The club claims the FAI failed to invite it to submit a licence application, a breach of FAI rules, and alleges the FAI wrongfully allowed Shamrock Rovers' second team to enter the division via the National League Executive Committee rather than the Club Licensing Bodies. Limerick seeks injunctions to permit its licence application, prevent its exclusion, and restrain the FAI from allocating club assets or licensing third parties. The FAI responded that Limerick failed to provide required information before deadlines, denying any refusal to allow an application. In a sworn statement, chairman Pat O'Sullivan alleged FAI demands, including investor meetings and business plans, were illegitimate and breached UEFA rules. He noted the club's failed examinership and stated that no liquidation steps have been taken. On an ex-parte basis, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds granted permission to serve short notice on the FAI. Noting the urgency, she made the matter returnable to Thursday's sitting. The judge also agreed that Shamrock Rovers FC should be formally made aware of the proceedings. The matter was adjourned.
Tomas Heneghan, a University of Limerick graduate, has filed a High Court judicial review challenging the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government's refusal to register him as an elector for Seanad Eireann elections. He argues that the panels reserved for graduates of the National University of Ireland and Trinity College Dublin do not include his university, and that he is ineligible for the vocational panel because he is not an elected local authority member, a member of Dáil Éireann, or a former Seanad member. Heneghan claims the 9 October refusal infringes his right to freely express convictions and opinions through the electoral process and alleges discrimination based on the location of his tertiary education and his employment.
Sean Howard, aged 32, was sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment for arson after a fire he claimed was started to keep warm spiralled out of control. The blaze began when he lit a piece of cardboard in a bin behind the Temple Bar Hotel in Dublin on 28 April 2019 while intoxicated and under the influence of drugs. The fire melted the bins, damaged the hotel's back wall, boiler and double metal doors, and forced the evacuation of 236 guests. Howard pleaded guilty to arson at the hotel and to a prior arson on 3 April 2019, which caused €3,000 of damage and required the evacuation of two rooms. He has 132 previous convictions, including three for arson, and the judge cited his substance use as a major problem. The sentence was three and a half years, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions.
Alan Freeman, aged 38, was convicted of violently breaking into the Garvey family home in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, on 16 April 2012, where he and two other men used a sawn‑off shotgun, a sledgehammer and a baseball bat. The gang restrained the occupants, threatened Gerard Garvey and his 14‑year‑old daughter, and took cash before fleeing. Freeman, along with Patrick Roche (54) and Philip Roche (25), was also found guilty of a separate burglary at the Creed home. Judge John Hannan sentenced Freeman to 14 years, with the final three years suspended. On 10 December 2019 the Court of Appeal quashed Freeman's conviction and ordered a retrial, while the convictions of the Roche men were upheld. The appeal was based on the Court's view that evidence linking Freeman to an alleged burglary at another home should have led to a separate trial, as the evidence was deemed insufficient and potentially prejudicial.
Timothy Milner, a 31-year-old Malawian refugee residing in Waterford, has been sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for his involvement in an invoice redirection fraud. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of €20,448, knowing or being reckless as to whether it was the proceeds of criminal conduct, on August 21, 2017. Prosecution evidence indicated that a Limerick company was defrauded when it transferred funds to Milner's bank account following a fraudulent email. While there was no suggestion Milner sent the redirecting email, he admitted to withdrawing the cash to hand over to third parties in exchange for a promised €500. Judge Martin Nolan noted that the victim company suffered a financial loss, making the matter serious. However, in mitigation, the court considered Milner's guilty plea, his cooperation, his lack of previous convictions, and his status as a refugee who arrived in Ireland in 2013. The judge found that Milner was approached by others who had a scheme and required a bank account. Consequently, the court imposed a two-year suspended sentence, allowing the defendant to avoid immediate custody.
Keith Brady, aged 32, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, stands charged with murder following the death of a local musician at New Apartments on Holborn Street in August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. At the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard evidence of interviews conducted by gardaí. In an August 2015 interview at Sligo Garda Station, Mr Brady admitted stabbing the deceased and stated that matters had spiralled beyond his control. However, during a subsequent November interview at Ballymote Garda Station, he denied involvement and claimed memory loss due to intoxication. The court was informed that Mr Brady later approached prison authorities at Castlerea Prison in Roscommon in December 2015, requesting to speak with a sergeant who had previously interviewed him. During this meeting, Mr Brady provided a detailed account in which he acknowledged responsibility, expressed remorse to the deceased's family, and described the incident as unintentional. The trial continues.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a garda inspector has denied allegations that he fabricated evidence against a Sligo man charged with murder. Inspector Patrick Harney testified that Keith Brady, aged 32, of Cartron Estate, made certain statements upon being charged with the death of Martin Kivlehan on 2 or 3 August 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. The defence barrister, Kenneth Fogarty SC, contended that a particular statement attributed to Mr Brady was not included in the inspector's written account, and suggested the omission was designed to present his client unfavourably. Inspector Harney stated the remark appeared in his notebook and was recorded at the time. Mr Justice Alex Owens cautioned the defence counsel on proper procedure when making such allegations. Mr Brady has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murder. The trial before Mr Justice Owens and jury continues. Keith Brady pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Erick Mukoko, aged 32, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for a violent forceful rape that occurred in May 2017 at a flat in Limerick. The victim, a woman who had been socialising with a friend, refused a kiss from Mukoko and was subsequently raped. Mukoko pleaded guilty, citing alcohol consumption and a possible misreading of signals as mitigating factors. The judge, Michael White, described the offence as very serious and noted the victim's devastating impact, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and a suicide attempt. Mukoko's guilty plea was taken into account, and no portion of the sentence was suspended. He was ordered to undergo two years of post‑release supervision if he remains in Ireland. The victim's impact statement detailed her ongoing psychological distress and her determination to regain control of her life. The case was supported by DNA evidence linking Mukoko to the assault.
In a High Court case, Centz Retail Holdings, Centz Stores 7 Limited and director Mr Naeem Maniar challenge Limerick City and County Council's enforcement notice issued in August over a planning breach at the 'Homesavers' premises in City East Retail Park. The notice alleges Mr Maniar violated a condition that the unit may only sell bulky household goods. Mr Naeem Maniar's counsel, Neil Steen SC, argues the council relied improperly on input from a competitor with alleged ulterior motives, failed to consider the group's submissions, misinterpreted the condition, and applied it inconsistently across the retail park. The applicants seek to quash the enforcement notice and obtain declarations that the council erred in law, acted contrary to fair procedures and breached natural justice. Permission to proceed was granted ex‑parte by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan, with the matter to return in December.
In a High Court case on 18 October 2019, Murphy International Ltd (MIL), an engineering services provider to the Aughinish Alumina refinery in County Limerick, sought an injunction to stop a planned strike by the trade union Unite. MIL, which employs about 126 of the refinery's 1,100 workers as civil and mechanical operatives, argued that the strike, which was to begin the following Friday, would force the refinery to cease operations, harming MIL, its employees and the refinery's stakeholders. The company claimed it had been notified by Unite of the intended industrial action, which would include a strike, picketing and labour withdrawal. MIL also challenged the validity of a secret ballot conducted by Unite in September, asserting it was not a proper full and proper secret ballot. The court granted MIL permission to serve short‑notice proceedings on an ex‑parte basis, allowing the case to be returned next week for further hearing.
In October 2019 the Court of Appeal upheld a 15‑year prison sentence that had been imposed on Joseph Hogan, a 66‑year‑old resident of Rose Court, Keyes Park, Limerick city, for the rape and sexual assault of his niece. Hogan had been convicted in 2015 on three counts of rape and one count of attempted rape, with an additional ten‑year term for three counts of sexual assault, all of which were to run concurrently. The offences occurred between 1984 and 1988 when the victim, Ms Sonya Stokes, was aged between seven and eleven. Hogan had pleaded not guilty to all counts. The appeal court found no error in the original sentencing and confirmed that the 15‑year term was within the appropriate range for the seriousness of the offences, given the victim's age and the breach of trust involved.
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.
A man from Aughavas, County Leitrim, has been sentenced to seven and a half years imprisonment following his conviction on money laundering charges at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Simon Gold, aged 54, pleaded not guilty to charges including money laundering, theft, deception and control of false instruments relating to offences between January 2010 and October 2012. A jury returned guilty verdicts on 20 counts after over 12 hours of deliberation, following more than two weeks of evidence. The court heard Gold operated fraudulent companies under multiple identities and targeted vulnerable individuals experiencing severe financial difficulty. Judge Martin Nolan described the crimes as devious and dishonest, noting Gold exploited men in desperate circumstances. The sentence was backdated to May 2018, when Gold first entered custody. Gold has 17 previous convictions, including 12 recorded in the United Kingdom for burglary, theft and larceny.
Dubliner Annie Trieu (29) pleaded guilty to one count of laundering money at Tallaght district credit union between September 13 and September 31, 2017. The court heard that Trieu withdrew €34,587 from her account, as instructed by her former partner, and deposited part of the money into her credit union account in four separate lodgements. Her lawyer stated that Trieu was subjected to domestic violence by her former partner, including incidents where she presented to hospital battered and bruised. A detective described Trieu as a 'puppet' in the scam, noting she was not involved in the initial email scheme. The court heard that the email scam involved General Hardware Supplies Ltd in Co. Cavan and Ballytherm Ltd in Co. Limerick, with suspicions arising when Ballytherm confirmed they had not received payment. Gardaí traced the money to Trieu's account. Judge Pauline Codd noted Trieu was 'blinded by love' for her former partner. She was sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment, but the sentence was suspended in full, taking into account her guilty plea and the violent nature of her relationship with her former partner.