A man from Enniscrone, County Sligo, has lost a religious discrimination claim at the Workplace Relations Commission following his lifetime ban from a yoga studio in Ballina, County Mayo. Peter McKeon had pursued a complaint under the Equal Status Act 2000 against yoga teacher Niamh Glackin, who trades as Roots Wellness, over his exclusion in 2024. Mr McKeon alleged discrimination after Ms Glackin banned him following an incident on 16 December 2024. During the hearing, the parties disputed what occurred, with Mr McKeon claiming he expressed opposition to Christmas, whilst Ms Glackin described an aggressive outburst involving explicit language about child abuse and paedophilia. Adjudication officer Brian Dolan found that whilst Mr McKeon was entitled to hold and express his religious views without discrimination, his language and manner were inappropriate for the yoga studio setting. The officer concluded that Ms Glackin's decision to ban him was based on his behaviour rather than his beliefs, and dismissed the complaint accordingly.
The jury in Liam O'Leary's Central Criminal Court murder trial has been discharged after the judge said an 'unfortunate situation' meant the proceedings could not continue. O'Leary denies murdering 58-year-old John Casserly at a Peter McVerry Trust housing unit in Ballina in October 2024. The case will return to court on April 15, and the jurors were excused from further service for five years. Liam O'Leary pleaded not guilty.
Liam O'Leary told gardaí he acted in self-defence after Mr Casserly allegedly came at him with a knife. Prosecutors told the jury that Mr Casserly died after a violent attack at an apartment in Ballina. O'Leary has pleaded not guilty to murder, and the trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
Declan Forde denied seeing John Casserly assault murder accused Liam O'Leary with a metal pole before the witness and his mother fled their Ballina apartment. O'Leary has pleaded not guilty; the trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
Joanna Forde told a murder trial that she and her son fled their Ballina apartment after Liam O'Leary entered and refused to leave. O'Leary has pleaded not guilty to murdering John Casserly, and the trial continues.
The Central Criminal Court heard prosecution evidence describing John Casserly's death in Ballina as involving serious violence. Liam O'Leary denies murder, and the trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
Liam O'Leary pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of John Casserly at an apartment in a Fr Peter McVerry Trust housing unit in Ballina. Mr Justice Paul McDermott swore a jury for a trial expected to last up to three weeks.
A 61-year-old man from Ballina in County Mayo has been sentenced to 11 and a half years imprisonment for sexually abusing five girls over nearly two decades. David Langdon pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Court to seven sample counts of sexual assault on children aged between five and 12 years during the period from April 1996 to July 2015. The offences came to the attention of gardaí in 2019 when the youngest victim, then still a minor, made a disclosure. Judge Sinéad McMullan noted the abuse frequently occurred during sleepovers when the children should have felt secure. The judge cited victim impact evidence describing severe ongoing trauma, including fear of darkness, sleep disturbance, and self-harm. She characterised the offences as representing a serious breach of trust. The headline sentence of 16 years was reduced to 12 and a half years, with the final 12 months suspended, and backdated to October 2024.
A 40-year-old woman from Ballina in County Mayo has pleaded guilty to possessing €62,000 worth of cannabis herb for sale or supply. Bernadette Muldoon, of St Patrick's estate, admitted the offence relating to drugs found at a different address on the same estate on 7 June last year. Gardaí discovered the cannabis in plastic bags and a protein tub following a tip-off search. A man fled the scene when officers arrived. Muldoon presented herself at Ballina Garda Station later that day and accepted responsibility for the drugs. She told gardaí she was holding them under duress due to a €3,000 drug debt and expressed fear for her safety after her home was damaged. The court heard she struggles with cocaine addiction. Judge Eoin Garavan adjourned sentencing to February 2026 to allow Muldoon to engage with probation services and address her substance misuse. The garda acknowledged the operation was not sophisticated and that Muldoon occupied a lower tier in the arrangement.
A man who struck and fatally injured a young pedestrian at a crossing in Ballina, County Mayo, has received a fully suspended sentence at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court. James Moyles, aged thirty-three, died on February twentieth, two thousand twenty-four, after being hit by a car on Lord Edward Street whilst holding his four-year-old niece's hand. In his final moments, Mr Moyles pushed the child to safety from the oncoming vehicle. Keith O'Brien, aged fifty, of Lowvalley, Crossmolina, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death. He received a suspended sentence of two and a half years and was disqualified from driving for ten years. Judge Eoin Garavan described Mr Moyles' final act as one of great selflessness, whilst characterising O'Brien as a good man who made a terrible error in judgment. The Moyles family issued a statement calling for improved road safety across Ireland.
A man from Enniscrone has brought a complaint before the Workplace Relations Commission alleging religious discrimination after being issued a lifetime ban from a yoga studio in Ballina. Peter McKeon enrolled at Roots Wellness in September 2024 and attended classes twice weekly until December 2024, when he engaged in a conversation with the studio's owner, Niamh Glackin, regarding his objections to Christmas on religious grounds. Following this exchange, Mr McKeon received written notice that the studio was not an appropriate environment for him, and was subsequently informed of a permanent ban in January 2025. Mr McKeon contends the ban constitutes unlawful discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000. Ms Glackin disputed aspects of Mr McKeon's account and testified that her decision to ban him was based solely on his allegedly aggressive behaviour during the incident, not on religious considerations. She stated the conduct created an unsafe environment for herself and other clients. Adjudication officer Brian Dolan has concluded the hearing and will deliver his written decision at a later date.
Three men have been sentenced to a combined 43 years imprisonment following their guilty pleas to manslaughter in connection with the death of a pensioner in Co Sligo. At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed sentences of 16 years on John Irving (31) of Shanwar, Foxford, Co Mayo, with the final year suspended, and 15 years each on Francis Harman (58) of Ballina and John Clarke (37) of Ballina, also with the final year suspended. The men attacked Tom Niland at his home in Doonflynn, Skryne on 18 January 2022. Despite suffering severe injuries, Mr Niland alerted neighbours. He was hospitalised but died from his injuries on 30 September 2023. The judge described the assault as "savage" and noted the men had targeted Mr Niland because he lived alone and was elderly. The three men stole approximately €800 and disposed of evidence. John Irving was convicted.
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.
Three men with a combined 106 previous convictions pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Tom Niland at the Central Criminal Court on Monday. John Irving (31) of Foxford, Co Mayo; Francis Harman (58) of Ballina, Co Mayo; and John Clarke (37) of Ballina attacked the 82-year-old at his home in Skryne, Co Sligo on January 18th, 2022, stealing approximately €800 from his wallet. Mr Niland suffered severe injuries including brain trauma and multiple fractures. He was hospitalised but his condition deteriorated, and he died from his injuries in September 2023, some 20 months after the assault. The State Pathologist attributed his death to blunt force trauma. All three were initially charged with murder but the Director of Public Prosecutions reduced the charges to manslaughter. Harman and Clarke pleaded guilty on the first day of trial; Irving initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea during proceedings. The prosecution submitted that sentences between 15 and 20 years were warranted. Justice Paul McDermott will sentence the defendants on Thursday.
A Mayo woman seriously injured when struck by a Bus Éireann van in Ballina last May has expressed no ill-feeling towards the driver. At Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court on Friday, the court heard that Ann Bourke was briefly trapped beneath the vehicle on Kevin Barry Street on 14 May 2024, sustaining fractures to her wrist, shoulder blade and ribs. She spent two months hospitalised and required surgical intervention, though she told the court she is making good recovery. John Regan, aged 41, of Mountain View, Ballybrooney, Killala, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm. Judge Eoin Garavan imposed 150 hours community service in lieu of a seven-month sentence, describing the incident as a serious lapse of judgment that could have proven fatal. The judge commended both parties, noting that Regan, a family man with no previous convictions, had completed a pro-social driving course and that the two had met cordially for the first time at court.
A man has pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Tom Niland at the Central Criminal Court, five days into his trial. John Irving, aged 31, of Shanwar, Foxford, County Mayo, changed his plea on the morning of July 17th. He is the third person to admit to manslaughter in connection with the death of the 73-year-old, who was assaulted at his home near Skreen, County Sligo on January 18th, 2022. Mr Niland suffered serious injuries including brain bleeding, facial fractures and multiple broken ribs during the attack. He was placed on life support but died from complications of his injuries twenty months later. Francis Harman and John Clarke had previously pleaded guilty to the same offence. The Director of Public Prosecutions indicated the guilty plea to manslaughter satisfied the prosecution's case. Justice Eileen Creedon discharged the jury and adjourned sentencing to October 13th, pending victim impact statements and psychological reports.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has viewed CCTV footage documenting movements in County Sligo and Mayo on January 18, 2022, the date of an alleged assault on 73-year-old Tom Niland at his home near Skreen. A garda detective presented a montage compiled from multiple camera systems showing a white Vauxhall Vivaro van travelling through Dromore West and Ballina that morning and afternoon, marked by distinctive features including a yellow number plate and a green roof stain. The prosecution alleges that John Irving, aged 31 of Shanwar, Foxford, County Mayo, Francis Harman, aged 58 of Ballina, and John Clarke, aged 37 of Ballina, broke into Mr Niland's home and assaulted him, causing injuries from which he died twenty months later in September 2023. The court heard that Mr Niland was discovered by neighbours crossing the N59 with severe injuries, including brain bleeding and multiple rib fractures. Mr Irving has pleaded not guilty to charges of unlawful killing, trespass causing serious harm, intentional or reckless serious harm, and false imprisonment.
A pensioner was so severely beaten during an alleged home invasion that neighbours did not recognise him as he walked along the road covered in blood with swollen eyes, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Witnesses described the victim as "crying blood" with multiple traumatic injuries following the incident at Doonflynn, Skreen, County Sligo on 18 January 2022. A surgeon from Sligo University Hospital testified that the injuries were serious and life-threatening, requiring the patient to be placed on life support. John Irving, aged 31, of Shanwar, Foxford, County Mayo faces four charges including unlawful killing, assault causing serious harm, intentional or reckless harm, and false imprisonment. The prosecution alleges Mr Irving, along with two other men, broke into the property and assaulted the occupant, who died more than 20 months later on 30 September 2023. Mr Irving has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon continues.
Keith O'Brien, 49, of Lowvalley, Crossmolina, Co Mayo, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to a single count of dangerous driving causing the death of James Moyles, 33. The incident occurred on Lord Edward Street, Ballina, Co Mayo, on February 20, 2024. The plea was entered before Judge Eoin Garavan. The court noted that Mr O'Brien has no previous convictions and is a working father of two. The matter is currently at the sentencing stage, with the judge deferring the imposition of a penalty to allow for the preparation of a probation report. Consequently, the case was adjourned, and Mr O'Brien faces sentencing on October 23 of this year. No final sentence or disposal has been recorded at this procedural stage. The report attributes the allegation of dangerous driving to the prosecution, which the defendant admitted. The summary reflects the validated procedural stage of sentencing and the specific adjournment for a probation report, ensuring no accusation is presented as a final conviction beyond the guilty plea.
A trial has commenced at the Central Criminal Court concerning charges against John Irving of Shanwar, Foxford, County Mayo. The prosecution alleges that Mr Irving, along with Francis Harman of Ballina and John Clarke of Ballina, broke into the home of a pensioner at Doonflynn, Skreen, County Sligo in January 2022 and assaulted him. The victim, then aged 73, sustained severe injuries including head trauma, rib fractures and internal bleeding. He died over twenty months later from complications arising from the assault. A medical witness is expected to testify that the injuries were comparable to those sustained in a serious motor collision. Forensic evidence presented includes DNA and blood located on gloves discovered in the area. Mr Irving denies all charges, including unlawful killing, assault causing serious harm, trespass, and false imprisonment. The trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon continues.
A Ballina man has been sentenced to one year and four months in prison for stabbing another man with a broken beer bottle during an altercation in the town four years ago. Stephen Lawrence, aged 23, of Cloonishlawn pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Oisín McCarron at Greenhills housing estate on 3 April 2021. Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court heard the incident occurred following a verbal and physical row between the two men, then teenagers, after a night of drinking. Judge Eoin Garavan noted elements of provocation and that both parties had been involved in the altercation. The victim suffered deep lacerations to his face, jaw and neck requiring plastic surgery and continues to experience psychological trauma. A family contribution of €5,000 was presented to court in recognition of the harm caused. The judge acknowledged Lawrence's genuine remorse, stable family background and lack of previous convictions. The sentence, comprising two years and three months with eleven months suspended for two years, was backdated to September 2024.
Gerry Norman, a 24-year-old abattoir worker from Ballina, Co Mayo, has been sentenced to four years imprisonment with the final two years suspended at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court. He pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm to one man and assault causing harm to another following an unprovoked attack in Diamond's carpark, Ballina on 19 December 2021. Judge Eoin Garavan described the incident as random and fuelled by alcohol and cocaine, noting that one victim sustained a skull fracture and brain bleed, resulting in permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. The judge acknowledged mitigating factors including Norman's lack of prior convictions, completion of an anger management course, and demonstrated commitment to addressing substance abuse. Norman has offered €15,000 in total compensation to the victims. He was ordered to keep the peace for two years upon release.
Jemima Burke appeared before the High Court to challenge a public order conviction obtained at Ballina District Court. Ms Burke alleged that her constitutional rights were breached due to the excessive haste of the original proceedings, claiming she was detained for two hours and tried within 55 minutes of release without legal representation or disclosure. She stated she was filming an inquest in Swinford, Co Mayo, when arrested, and argued that the garda's confiscation of her phone deprived her of probative evidence. The District Court judge had convicted her of one public order offence, with the other taken into consideration, and fined her €350. Ms Burke described the process as resembling something from the Middle Ages. The Director of Public Prosecutions, represented by Kieran Kelly BL, did not oppose the quashing of the conviction but argued the matter should be remitted to the District Court for a new hearing before a different judge to ensure a fair trial. Ms Justice Sara Phelan reserved judgment in the matter, meaning the case was adjourned and not concluded.
A senior employee at a spiritual centre dedicated to the late Fr Patrick Peyton has obtained a temporary High Court injunction preventing his employer from appointing a replacement to assume his duties. Padraic Walsh, who claims to be National Director of the Father Patrick Peyton CFC Memorial Company Ltd facility at Attymass outside Ballina in County Mayo, argues that the proposed appointment breaches his contract and damages his reputation. Mr Justice David Nolan granted the interim injunction on an ex-parte basis on Tuesday, finding that Mr Walsh had raised a fair issue for trial and that damages would not adequately compensate him. The judge noted the temporary order would not impede the centre's operations. Mr Walsh has worked at the facility since 2016, with his position renewed in 2021. He claims that following his vindication from bullying allegations in 2022, his relationship with the employer deteriorated. In September, he was informed of plans to appoint an Executive Director to whom he would report directly. The matter returns to court next week.
Barry Young, aged 38, has been sentenced to eleven years' imprisonment at the Special Criminal Court for directing a criminal organisation. Mr Justice Tony Hunt imposed the custodial term following Young's guilty plea to the charge, which carried a maximum of sixteen years. The judge described Young's activities as a "scourge" on the Sligo community over several years, though acknowledged his gang was smaller in scope than other organised crime groups. Young operated a drug distribution network with hierarchical command structures involving at least twenty members across the northwest. Gardaí seized over €628,000 in drugs linked to the gang and €40,000 in cash from Young's accounts, despite his stated income being social welfare payments. The investigation, initiated following Young's arrest at Dublin Airport in January this year whilst attempting to travel to Spain, uncovered thousands of communications detailing drug sales, debt enforcement involving intimidation, and cash movements. Young's sentence was reduced to twelve years to reflect his early guilty plea and mitigating circumstances.
A 38-year-old Sligo man has pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to directing a 20-member criminal organisation that operated across the northwest between October 2019 and January 2022. Barry Young coordinated drug dealing, intimidation and money laundering across Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim and Galway through a hierarchical command structure. Garda investigations uncovered drug seizures totalling over €628,000 linked to the gang, alongside €40,000 in cash recovered from Young despite his stated income being social welfare payments. Evidence presented during the sentencing hearing showed Young dispatched debt collectors to private homes to commit criminal damage and extort money. The court heard Young had 81 previous convictions and had been twice sentenced for drug dealing, most recently in 2006. His defence counsel noted Young had expressed suicidal ideation over his significant drug debts and described his arrest at Dublin Airport in January as a relief. The non-jury court adjourned sentencing to 31 July. The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
A 33-year-old Polish man has pleaded not guilty to murdering a 24-year-old at Carrabeg Estate in Swinford, Co Mayo on 16 November 2020. The Central Criminal Court heard that Matusz Batiuk told gardai he stabbed the deceased in self-defence after believing his life was in danger. The prosecution contends that when Mr Batiuk retrieved a kitchen knife and inflicted a single stab wound to the abdomen, he acted with intent to kill. Evidence will include recordings of emergency calls made by the accused on the night in question and garda interviews. The court heard the deceased was intoxicated at the time and that there were no defensive wounds on his body. Expert psychiatric evidence concerning the accused's diagnosed schizophrenia will be heard. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring is presiding over the trial with a jury of nine men and three women. The case is expected to last two weeks.
A 56-year-old man from Ballina in County Mayo appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in connection with allegations relating to the sale of a Spanish property owned by Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross, Dublin. Michael Egan of Bunnanertish, Knockanillaun was charged with dishonestly inducing the hospice to sell the property at a loss through deception on 5 March 2015. He was returned to the Circuit Court from the District Court to face trial, which has been scheduled for 25 November 2024. Mr Egan will remain on continuing bail pending trial. Judge Martin Nolan amended his bail conditions, ordering him to sign on at his local garda station every Sunday and Monday and to provide a mobile phone number to gardaí, which must be kept fully charged at all times.
The Court of Appeal has rejected Martin Kearney's bid to have his driving licence restored, upholding a previous decision by Judge Francis Comerford at Sligo Circuit Criminal Court. Kearney, of Castlefield Manor, Ballina, Co Mayo, was jailed for four years in 2012 by Judge Anthony Hunt after admitting dangerous driving causing serious harm to passenger Lydia Branley. He was initially banned from the roads for 20 years, a sentence reduced to 12 years on appeal in December 2014. Kearney's barrister, Liam Dockery BL, argued before the Court of Appeal that Judge Comerford erred in law under Section 29(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, claiming the ban was purely punitive. However, Mr Justice John Edwards ruled that the application must be rejected. The incident occurred in September 2010 when Kearney lost control of his BMW at 150 km/h near Ballisodare, leaving Branley, then 25, paralysed. She spent nine months in a coma and remains unable to eat or talk without assistance. Ms Branley attended the proceedings in person, expressing relief at the outcome. Her representatives noted that Kearney had already been banned and should not have been driving that night. The court's decision effectively maintains the 12-year driving ban, denying Kearney's request to restore his licence.
Two men imprisoned for contempt of court in connection with interference at a disputed farm in County Roscommon have been released from custody. Michael Anthony McGann, who owned the property at Falsk, Strokestown, and Kevin Taylor, a retired garda from Longford, were held in Mountjoy Prison for nearly five months following their arrest for obstructing KBC Bank's agents during enforcement of a repossession order. On Friday, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds directed their release after both men provided undertakings to the court to remain away from the property. The judge warned that any breach would result in their immediate return to prison. A cost order against McGann, described as the "puppet master" in the matter, was estimated at well into six figures. A third man, Colm Granahan from Ballina, Mayo, was previously released after purging his contempt. The underlying dispute concerns a farm that was the subject of a controversial 2018 eviction following KBC's €431,000 loan recovery action. The full hearing of the case is scheduled for June.
Two men imprisoned for interfering with a bank's lawful repossession of a farm in Strokestown, County Roscommon, have sought their release from custody. Michael Anthony McGann and Kevin Taylor, a retired garda from Longford, were detained in Mountjoy Prison after being found in contempt of court for obstruction during the 2018 eviction. A third man, Colm Granahan of Ballina, purged his contempt and was released before Christmas. At Thursday's High Court hearing before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds, counsel for the men argued they had satisfied both coercive and punitive elements of their contempt findings. KBC Bank's legal representatives opposed the application, stating the men could secure release by purging contempt and complying with existing court orders. The men offered undertakings to avoid the property if the bank reciprocated, which counsel for KBC rejected as improper. Ms Justice Reynolds adjourned proceedings to allow further consultation between the applicants and their legal team, with the hearing resuming Friday.
Two men imprisoned by the High Court for interfering with KBC Bank's repossession of a farm at Falsk, Strokestown, County Roscommon will remain in custody after declining to purge their contempt of court. Michael Anthony McGann, the property owner, and Kevin Taylor, a retired garda from Dublin Road, Longford, were arrested in November alongside a third man following efforts by the bank's agents to secure the property after a 2018 eviction. While Colm Granahan from Ballina, Mayo purged his contempt in December and was released, McGann and Taylor have maintained their refusal to do so. At a High Court hearing on Thursday, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds reviewed their cases remotely. McGann, now represented by solicitor, stated he would not purge contempt, as did Taylor. The judge remanded both men in custody until April, confirming they may apply to purge contempt at any time. The case arises from a €431,000 debt on the property.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal by Deirdre Dennis, who sought to annul her bankruptcy. Ms Dennis, represented by solicitor Evan O'Dwyer, argued that the High Court erred in refusing her application, claiming she was forced into bankruptcy due to Bank of Ireland (BOI) overcharging her on mortgage repayments. BOI, which was not a party to the proceedings, later admitted it failed to provide a tracker rate when Ms Dennis was entitled to one. The bank unreservedly apologised, withdrew its claim for €115,000, and acknowledged its error contributed to Ms Dennis losing her family home in Killala, Co Mayo. Ms Dennis was discharged from bankruptcy in 2018. In the High Court, Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington ruled that the reasons for setting aside the bankruptcy were outside the court's jurisdiction. On appeal, a three-judge panel comprising Ms Justice Caroline Costello, Mr Justice Brian Murray, and Mr Justice Donald Binchy, dismissed the case. Ms Justice Costello stated that while the court has discretion to annul bankruptcy, it requires extremely compelling reasons. The court found that even allowing for BOI's overstated liabilities, Ms Dennis was clearly insolvent in October 2017. The judges rejected the argument that she could have met repayments had they been correctly calculated, noting she would not have been able to do so. The court concluded it would not be just and equitable to annul the adjudication, emphasizing the collective nature of insolvency proceedings and the implications for all creditors.
Three men remain in custody at Mountjoy Prison following a High Court ruling that they must stay detained indefinitely until they comply with orders to vacate a farm in Falsk, Strokestown, County Roscommon. Michael Anthony McGann, Kevin Taylor and Colm Granahan were jailed for contempt of court after refusing to give undertakings to stay away from the property, which was subject to a repossession order by KBC bank and subsequent vacant possession orders. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds found their actions constituted a flagrant, deliberate and contrived breach of existing court orders. The judge noted evidence that all three were present on the farm despite having no entitlement to be there, and referenced an orchestrated social media campaign that undermined court authority and encouraged others to attend the property. The men have been offered opportunities to purge their contempt but have demonstrated unwillingness to do so. Mr Granahan is from Ballina, County Mayo, Mr Taylor is a retired Garda from Longford, and Mr McGann is from Strokestown.
Three men remain imprisoned in Mountjoy following their refusal to comply with High Court orders at a hearing last week. Michael Anthony McGann, Colm Granahan and Kevin Taylor were found in contempt of court for breaching orders to stay away from a property at Falsk, Strokestown, County Roscommon. The men, arrested by An Garda Síochána, appeared before the High Court via video-link on Monday. Justice Leonie Reynolds invited each to purge their contempt by undertaking to comply with the orders sought by KBC Bank, but all three refused, instead disputing the validity of the court orders. The judge determined that imprisonment must continue, noting the men could return to court at any time to comply. KBC Bank's counsel indicated the bank does not seek imprisonment but requires the men's undertakings to vacate the property, which the bank has now secured. The matter originates from a €431,000 debt on the farm, with the men having remained on the property in breach of earlier possession orders.
Colm Granahan was committed to Mountjoy Prison on Friday by Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds after refusing to provide an undertaking to stay away from a farm in Falsk, Strokestown, Co Roscommon. The judge stated she had no choice but to commit him until he purges his contempt of court orders. This follows the earlier jailing of Michael Anthony McGann, the property owner, and retired Garda Kevin Taylor, both of whom were jailed for failing to give undertakings to comply with orders to vacate the farm. KBC Bank, which holds possession orders arising from a €431,000 debt, argued that an undertaking would satisfy its requirements, though it did not seek incarceration. Mr Granahan, from Ballina, Co Mayo, objected to the court's characterization of the orders as technically flawed and refused to answer the judge's request for an undertaking, stating he was "remaining mute." The judge noted that the matter would be reviewed next week. The farm has been the subject of ongoing proceedings involving the McGann siblings and KBC Bank, including a controversial eviction in 2018 and subsequent incidents involving security personnel. The court emphasized that the refusal to comply with the injunction resulted in the contempt proceedings.
Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds of the High Court has ordered the arrest of any person found in occupation of a farm at Falsk, Strokestown in County Roscommon. The order was made against three named individuals: Michael Anthony McGann, the property owner; former Garda Kevin Taylor of Dublin Road, Longford; and Colm Granahan from Ballina, County Mayo. KBC Bank, which previously obtained an injunction for vacant possession of the property, presented evidence to the court that the three remain on the farm in breach of High Court orders. The judge found that the individuals were engaged in a concerted effort to undermine court orders. She directed that the three, along with any other occupants discovered on the property, be brought before the court by An Garda Síochána to answer allegations of contempt. The judge stated that Gardaí may use all reasonable force necessary to enforce the order. The matter will return to court at a later date.
The High Court has dismissed Deirdre Dennis's application to annul her bankruptcy, a status she claimed resulted from Bank of Ireland (BOI) overcharging her on mortgage repayments. Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington expressed considerable sympathy for the distress Ms Dennis endured but found the court lacked jurisdiction to grant the annulment. The judge determined that the alleged errors by BOI, which the bank admitted after Ms Dennis's discharge, lay outside the bankruptcy process. Ms Dennis had lost her family home in Killala, Co Mayo, after BOI sought repossession in 2015 following arrears. She successfully petitioned for bankruptcy in October 2017 and was discharged 12 months later. In 2019, BOI apologized for failing to provide a tracker rate and withdrew a €115,000 claim in her bankruptcy. However, the judge noted that Section 135 of the 1988 Bankruptcy Act precludes the review or cancellation of a discharge order. The court found no fraud or abuse of process, which are the grounds for reversing bankruptcy orders. The Insolvency Service of Ireland was found to have acted properly. Consequently, the application was dismissed as misconceived, with the judge noting that any redress against BOI lies elsewhere.
A woman who lost her family home in County Mayo and was subsequently adjudicated bankrupt has sought to have that bankruptcy annulled following a Bank of Ireland overcharging scandal. The High Court heard that Deirdre Dennis was charged more than twice the correct amount on her mortgage repayments between June 2012 and December 2017. Ms Dennis, who resided at Seaview Terrace, Killala, petitioned for bankruptcy in October 2017, believing she owed approximately €171,000 to the bank. Following a tracker mortgage examination in February 2019, Bank of Ireland acknowledged it had failed to provide Ms Dennis with a tracker mortgage to which she was entitled, apologised unreservedly, and withdrew its bankruptcy claim of €115,000. The bank accepted that its failure contributed to Ms Dennis losing her home. Ms Dennis now rents in Ballina and contends she would not have sought bankruptcy had she possessed complete information from the bank in October 2017. Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington heard the annulment application on Monday.
Alan Cawley, aged 32, of Four Winds, Corrinbla, Ballina, County Mayo, has lost his appeal against murder convictions at the Court of Appeal. Cawley was found guilty in 2017 of murdering Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, at New Antrim Street in Castlebar on 10 July 2013. He had admitted killing the brothers with a shovel and a walking stick but denied murder, arguing diminished responsibility due to mental health disorders. A jury unanimously rejected this defence, and Mr Justice Paul Coffey imposed mandatory life sentences. Cawley appealed on grounds that the trial judge misdirected the jury regarding intoxication and diminished responsibility. The three-judge appeal panel, led by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, found no error in the trial judge's instructions and dismissed the appeal. The brothers, who had special needs and were under HSE care, were both assaulted fatally during the attack.
Alan Cawley (32) of Four Winds, Corrinbla, Ballina, has appealed his conviction for the murder of two elderly brothers with special needs at the Court of Appeal in Dublin. Cawley was unanimously found guilty by jury in 2017 and received a mandatory life sentence for killing Thomas Blaine (69) and John Blaine (76) at New Antrim Street in Castlebar on 10 July 2013. He admitted the killings but denied murder, claiming diminished responsibility on grounds of mental disorder. The appeal focused on the trial judge's directions to the jury regarding intoxication and its interaction with the diminished responsibility defence. The defence argued the jury may have been directed to exclude intoxication before considering mental disorder, whereas both issues could operate simultaneously. The prosecution maintained the trial judge's instructions were legally sound and that evidence of the crime was overwhelming. A three-judge panel reserved judgment.
A man convicted of murdering two elderly brothers in Castlebar has been granted an appeal hearing date of 21 June. Alan Cawley, aged 31, of Ballina, Co Mayo, was sentenced to life imprisonment in July 2017 after a jury unanimously found him guilty of killing Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, at New Antrim Street on 10 July 2013. Cawley had admitted the killings but denied murder, arguing diminished responsibility on grounds of mental health conditions. The Central Criminal Court rejected this defence. The Court of Appeal fixed the hearing date during a procedural mention. The coroner for Mayo has indicated the inquest into the deaths cannot proceed until the appeal concludes, a matter which has caused concern to the deceased's family. Legal submissions from both parties have now been filed ahead of the June hearing.
A man from Ballina in County Mayo has failed in his appeal against a five-year custodial sentence for causing a fatal collision while driving under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. Declan Moran pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Martin Wynne, a motorcyclist, on the N26 near Ballinahaglish on 8 May 2016. He also admitted leaving the scene. Moran had attempted an illegal U-turn whilst impaired and collided with Mr Wynne's motorcycle, resulting in fatal injuries. A urine sample taken hours after the incident revealed alcohol levels nearly three times the legal limit. The Court of Appeal upheld the six-year sentence, with the final year suspended, finding the culpability serious and the previous drink-driving conviction a significant aggravating factor.
A man convicted of murdering two elderly brothers in Castlebar in July 2013 has had his appeal held up pending legal submissions, which is now delaying an inquest into the deaths. Alan Cawley, aged 31, was found guilty by jury at the Central Criminal Court in 2017 of killing Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, at New Antrim Street. He received a mandatory life sentence. Cawley had admitted the killings but denied murder, arguing diminished responsibility due to mental health conditions. The jury rejected this claim. The Court of Appeal has requested that Cawley's legal representatives provide the Coroner for Mayo with an update on the appeal's progress, as the inquest cannot proceed until the appeal concludes. The coroner's delay is causing concern to the deceased's family, according to the court.
A Ballina man has received a three and a half year suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his guilty plea to assaulting his brother in May 2016. Gordon Rodgers attacked David Rodgers at Dunard Road, Blackhorse Avenue, Cabra, Dublin 7, causing a fractured skull, broken ribs and elbow, and internal bleeding. The victim spent time in a coma and took considerable time to recover. Garda evidence indicated Rodgers had been self-medicating with alcohol and cannabis at the time and was subsequently hospitalised for severe mental health difficulties. Judge Martin Nolan described the assault as vicious and prolonged, but noted Rodgers was mentally unstable when the incident occurred. The judge acknowledged Rodgers' engagement with psychiatric services, his medication compliance, and that his brother had forgiven him. No evidence suggested he would repeat such behaviour.
A Mayo man and former member of the Anti-Corruption Taskforce has been imprisoned for a hit-and-run incident involving a garda sergeant. Joseph Doocey (51) of Knoxbarret, Ballina, was convicted at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a nine-day trial in October on charges of endangerment, dangerous driving, and assault causing harm to Sergeant Declan Casey. The offences arose from an incident on 8 June 2015 near Font Cross, Ballina, when Doocey failed to stop at a garda checkpoint. He drove his vehicle at Sgt Casey, struck him multiple times, reversed over his foot, and collided with a van before driving at speed towards the sergeant while he remained on the roadway. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a three-and-a-half-year sentence with the final year suspended, conditional on Doocey signing a bond restricting online posts about gardaí and court personnel. When Doocey refused to sign, the judge imposed the full custodial term. He was also disqualified from driving for five years. Joseph Doocey pleaded not guilty.
A Mayo man convicted of assaulting a garda sergeant has maintained his innocence, claiming he was "set up" and "framed" by gardaí. Joseph Doocey, aged 51, from Knoxbarret in Ballina, was found guilty by jury verdict in October of eleven counts including assault causing harm to Sergeant Declan Casey, dangerous driving, and criminal damage following a hit-and-run incident on June 8, 2015 near Font Cross, Ballina. The incident involved Doocey's vehicle striking Sergeant Casey at a checkpoint, subsequently reversing over him, and driving dangerously before being abandoned near Killala. Doocey testified that gardaí had conducted a prolonged campaign against him and alleged witnesses were planted and evidence tampered with. His legal representative described him as fundamentally honest, though acknowledging his strong opinions. Sentence finalisation was adjourned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court pending Doocey's agreement to cease any hostile conduct towards Sergeant Casey and his family. Doocey remained remanded in custody.
A 30-year-old man from Ballina has been convicted of the murder of two elderly brothers at the Central Criminal Court. Alan Cawley was found guilty of killing Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, at their home on New Antrim Street in Castlebar on 10 July 2013. Both men had learning difficulties and were receiving HSE care. Cawley had admitted the killings but pleaded not guilty to murder, arguing diminished responsibility due to mental health conditions. A jury rejected this defence after hearing evidence from psychiatric experts. Justice Paul Coffey imposed a mandatory life sentence, describing the attacks as "wanton" and "savage". A victim impact statement was read by a family member, who recalled the brothers as gentle men who had cared for each other and were valued members of their community.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating in a double murder trial concerning a 30-year-old man from Ballina, County Mayo. Alan Cawley has admitted causing the deaths of Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, on 10th July 2013 at New Antrim Street in Castlebar. However, he pleaded not guilty to murder, with the defence raising the partial defence of diminished responsibility. Justice Paul Coffey instructed the jury that they must consider whether Mr Cawley was suffering from a mental disorder at the time that substantially diminished his responsibility for the killings. The defence psychiatrist identified three conditions, whilst the prosecution's expert disputed one diagnosis and questioned whether the personality disorders constituted mental disorders under the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006. The jury, comprising four women and eight men, briefly deliberated before adjourning for the evening and will resume considerations the following morning.
Closing speeches were delivered at the Central Criminal Court in the trial of Alan Cawley, 30, of Ballina, Co Mayo. Cawley has admitted killing Thomas Blaine, 69, and John Blaine, 76, but pleaded not guilty to murdering them on 10th July 2013 at New Antrim Street in Castlebar. The prosecution, led by Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, alleged that Cawley made a decision to kill the two elderly brothers in acts of extreme violence. Counsel argued that Cawley's intoxication led to impulsive behavior, but his personality disorders did not constitute a mental disorder under the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006, thus negating a diminished responsibility defense. The State requested guilty verdicts for both murders. Conversely, defense counsel Caroline Biggs SC argued that Cawley suffered from a lifelong mental disorder, describing it as a "poisoned gift" that diminished his responsibility. She contended that his history of torment and reliance on sedation supported a finding of diminished responsibility, urging the jury to return a verdict of manslaughter. The jury, comprising four women and eight men, is expected to begin deliberations on Monday after being charged by Mr Justice Paul Coffey. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded.