Court archive
Court reports mentioning Carrickmacross, Monaghan
2026-07-27 · Monaghan
Simon O'Donovan, a 44-year-old National Museum employee, appeared before the Special Criminal Court at the trial stage, where he was remanded in custody until October 5. O'Donovan is alleged to have knowingly possessed an improvised explosive device on July 22 in Chapelizod, Dublin 10, contrary to the Explosive Substances Act 1883. He remains unrepresented, as his solicitor could not accept instructions due to a legal aid strike. The judge noted that O'Donovan's previous bail application was refused and stated that a second application would require a change of circumstances, such as legal representation. O'Donovan expressed his desire to reapply for bail at the earliest chance. The court indicated that the next procedural step is the service of the book of evidence. In connection with the same investigation, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, a 25-year-old law student, was charged with possession of explosives at a special sitting of Trim District Court. Police alleged that O'Donovan handed a bag containing 394g of Semtex, a timer, and a detonator to Sullivan, who then transported it to Carrickmacross. No plea, finding, or sentence was recorded for either accused at this stage.
2026-07-25 · Dublin
A Dublin man, Simon O'Donovan, has been denied bail following a charge of possession of an explosive device in connection with the alleged discovery of a bomb in a car in Co Monaghan. The court heard that the device was allegedly stored in the National Museum at Collins' Barracks where O'Donovan worked. Gardai believe that if O'Donovan were released on bail, he would engage in acts to further the objectives of the dissident Republican group, the New IRA. O'Donovan was arrested after a car carrying the device was stopped on the N2. The device contained 394g of Semtex, a timer switch, and a viable detonator. Gardai objected to bail, citing the risk of O'Donovan interfering with the investigative process and continuing to engage in IRA operational activity. The court ruled that no bail conditions would allay the concerns of gardai and refused bail. A 25-year-old woman, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, was also charged in relation to the same incident and remanded in custody.
2025-04-09 · Dublin
A Nigerian woman has been sentenced to three years' imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to making false statements to gardaí. The 34-year-old woman arrived at Store Street Garda Station in October 2019 claiming she had been trafficked to Ireland and forced into prostitution. Over subsequent months, she provided five statements detailing her alleged captivity in Balbriggan. Gardaí conducted an extensive investigation spanning hundreds of hours, including searches of the area and CCTV analysis. Investigation ultimately revealed the account was fabricated. Handwriting experts linked documentation found in her hostel accommodation and a discovered diary to the woman. Evidence from bank records and CCTV footage contradicted her narrative. The woman, previously resident in Carrickmacross, Monaghan, pleaded guilty to three counts of knowingly making false statements between October 2019 and December 2020. Judge Ronan Munro described her actions as premeditated and calculated, noting they diverted resources from genuine victims and undermined legitimate trafficking complaints.
2025-03-03 · Meath
A man accused of murdering his partner at their County Meath home in August 2022 told gardaí during interview that he pushed and hit her following a dispute over a gathering at their residence, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Daniel Blanaru, aged 37, from Rathboy, Athboy, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Larisa Serban, aged 26, on or about 12 August 2022. During his first interview at Ashbourne Garda Station on 12 August 2022, Mr Blanaru stated through an interpreter that he discovered his partner hosting a party with her brother and another man when he returned home from Navan. He described an altercation in which physical contact occurred, claiming the other man intervened. Mr Blanaru told detectives he subsequently travelled to Drogheda and contacted gardaí, learning thereafter that Ms Serban had died. The trial, before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of fifteen, continues.
2023-05-08 · Monaghan
The High Court has ordered the winding-up of Nuremore Hotel Management Ltd, the company responsible for operating the Nuremore Hotel and country club in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. Mr Justice Conor Dignam appointed insolvency practitioner Declan de Lacy as liquidator following a petition by the Revenue Commissioners. The company owes over €680,000 in unpaid PAYE, PRSI, and wage subsidy payments to the state. The hotel ceased operations in late 2022 and has since had its utilities disconnected. The court heard the company is insolvent and unable to satisfy the Revenue's demand. The winding-up petition was originally brought by a former employee but was subsequently taken over by Revenue after the worker was paid in full. Director Kai Dai was ordered to file statements of affairs. Related petitions against two further companies linked to the hotel are scheduled for hearing later in May.
2023-03-28 · Louth
A witness at the Special Criminal Court was treated as hostile after giving conflicting evidence in the trial of two men charged with a credit union robbery in which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was murdered. Colin Hoey told the court he did not see Aaron Brady or accused James Flynn on the night of the Lordship Credit Union raid in Bellurgan, County Louth on 25 January 2013. However, his 2017 statement to gardaí at Carrickmacross stated that both men were present in his house between 9.15pm and 10.45pm that evening. Mr Hoey claimed he had been pressured to change his account and alleged a garda had threatened him with imprisonment. Brendan Treanor and James Flynn are charged with robbing €7,000 from the credit union and conspiracy to burgle homes for car keys. Both deny the charges. Brady is serving a life sentence with a 40-year minimum for the garda's murder and the robbery. The trial continues. James Flynn pleaded not guilty.
2022-11-11 · Cavan
A member of a cross-border organised crime gang has failed in his appeal against a custodial sentence imposed for attempted ATM theft. Gerard Duffy, 32, of County Monaghan, was convicted at the Special Criminal Court in 2021 following a guilty plea to attempting to steal an ATM from the Riverfront Bar Restaurant in Virginia, County Cavan, in August 2019. He received eight years and nine months' imprisonment with the final year suspended. His legal team argued the headline sentence of eleven years was excessive and that a greater reduction for his guilty plea was warranted, given he had no serious prior convictions. The Court of Appeal dismissed the challenge, with Mr Justice George Birmingham finding the original sentence appropriate and the trial court had correctly assessed the offending as being in the lower range of the highest tier of criminality. The gang stole an estimated €790,000 from multiple ATM locations across Cavan, Meath and Monaghan between 2018 and 2019 using stolen plant machinery and vehicles.
2022-07-11 · Dublin
The Workplace Relations Commission has upheld a statutory redundancy claim by Brian McCarthy against Huawen Foundation Ltd, awarding him approximately €3,000. The adjudicating officer found that the company, which promoted Irish residency visas to international property investors, closed unexpectedly without providing for redundancy. Mr. McCarthy, who served as an applicant in this hearing, was employed from March 2019 to April 2021, meeting the 104-week eligibility threshold. The company failed to appear to defend the claim at the adjudication hearing on 7 April. This decision follows a separate March ruling where Huawen Foundation was ordered to pay €12,400 to former director Daoquan Zhang for breach of the Payment of Wages Act after leaving him unpaid for four months. Huawen Foundation is wholly owned by Kai Dai, chief executive of Kylin Prime Group. The company recently changed its registered office from St Stephen's Green in Dublin to the Nuremore Hotel & Country Club in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan. The Commission's decision confirms Mr. McCarthy's entitlement to redundancy payments under the Redundancy Payments Acts based on his service duration and salary.
2022-03-25 · Dublin
The Workplace Relations Commission has ordered Huawen Foundation Ltd to pay former employee Dauquan Zhang €12,400 in unpaid wages. In a decision published this morning, adjudicating officer Hugh Lonsdale upheld Mr Zhang's complaint under the Payment of Wages Act, finding that the company failed to pay his salary for the period from 1 November 2020 to 28 February 2021. Mr Zhang, who served as director of international investment with a salary of €37,500, alleged that while he received no bank transfers during this four-month period, the company submitted payslips to the Revenue Commissioners, leaving him liable for income tax on funds he never received. He stated he was now in debt to Revenue for over €1,600. Huawen Foundation Ltd did not appear for the remote adjudication hearing on 24 February, nor did it engage with the Commission. The adjudicator noted the respondent was on notice of the hearing and concluded the complaint was well-founded based on the evidence provided by Mr Zhang, including bank statements and downloaded payslips. Huawen Foundation promotes Irish property investments under the government's cash-for-visas scheme and is wholly owned by Kai Dai, chief executive of Kylin Prime Group. The company recently changed its registered office from St Stephen's Green in Dublin to Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan.
2022-03-04 · Cavan
The Special Criminal Court sentenced three Monaghan brothers to a combined 19.5 years for their roles in an ATM theft gang. Gerard Duffy (31) and Ciaran Duffy (29) each pleaded guilty to offences including attempted theft of an ATM and its contents for the benefit of a criminal organisation. Ciaran Duffy additionally pleaded guilty to moving cash and possessing cash to facilitate a criminal offence. Mr Justice Hunt identified an 11-year headline sentence for both, applied a 20% discount, and suspended the final year of each term, resulting in effective sentences of eight years and nine months. Stephen Duffy (35) pleaded guilty to possessing cash in association with a criminal organisation. Rejecting his claim of limited involvement, the judge sentenced him to four years and nine months, with the final nine months suspended. All sentences were back-dated to February 1, 2022. In a related November finalisation, Niall Finnegan (39) pleaded guilty to possessing proceeds of ATM thefts and was jailed for four-and-a-half years, with the final 18 months suspended. A fifth defendant, Daniel O'Callaghan, remains to be sentenced.
2022-02-07 · Monaghan
Michael McGauley, aged 49 and formerly of Highfield, Carrickmacross, has had his prison sentence increased following a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions. McGauley pleaded guilty at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court to five counts of deception and theft committed between February 2016 and October 2018, defrauding victims of approximately €149,600 in total. He was initially sentenced to three years' imprisonment with sentences running concurrently. The Court of Appeal, presiding over the case on 7 February 2022, found the original sentence unduly lenient and quashed it. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, sitting with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and Ms Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, increased the sentence to five years' imprisonment, with sentences to run consecutively. The court noted the manner in which offences were perpetrated caused particular harm to victims. McGauley was ordered to surrender himself to prison authorities on 16 February 2022.
2022-02-01 · Cavan
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the sentencing of three brothers, Gerard, Ciaran, and Stephen Duffy, to March 4, remanding them in custody. The defendants, part of a cross-Border gang alleged to have stolen nearly €800,000 from ATMs in Cavan, Meath, and Monaghan between 2018 and 2019, appeared before a three-judge panel. Gerard Duffy pleaded guilty to the attempted theft of an ATM at the Riverfront Bar & Restaurant in Virginia, Co Cavan, in August 2019, contrary to Section 73 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. Ciaran Duffy pleaded guilty to three offences, including participating in criminal activities in a Toyota Avensis at Tullypole, Moynalty, attempting to steal the Virginia ATM, and possessing cash to facilitate a criminal offence. Stephen Duffy pleaded guilty to possessing cash at The Yard, Tullypole, in association with a criminal organisation. Prosecution evidence detailed the gang's use of stolen diggers and vehicles to rip ATMs from walls, culminating in a failed attempt in Virginia where gardaí rammed a stolen vehicle. Cash totaling over €103,000 was recovered from a vehicle and a lawnmower. Defence counsel highlighted the defendants' remorse, employment histories, and character references. In a related matter, Niall Finnegan was previously sentenced to four-and-a-half years, with the final 18 months suspended, for possessing or handling €103,000 linked to the gang's activities.
2021-11-11 · Monaghan
A serial fraudster from Carrickmacross is the subject of an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions against the leniency of his sentence. Michael McGauley pleaded guilty in October 2020 at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court to five counts of deception and theft committed between February 2016 and October 2018, obtaining approximately €149,600 from his victims. He was sentenced to three years and nine months imprisonment on each count, with sentences ordered to run concurrently and the final nine months suspended on condition of probation supervision and abstinence from gambling and alcohol. The DPP contends the sentence was unduly lenient, arguing that consecutive rather than concurrent sentences should have been imposed. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of Appeal, Ms Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh noted the deliberate emotional manipulation involved in the offences, questioning the connection between McGauley's gambling addiction and his deceptive conduct toward victims. The case was adjourned pending the court's determination on the appeal.
2021-07-23 · Monaghan
At the Central Criminal Court, a 21-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment for the manslaughter of a pensioner in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, in March 2016. Aaron McDonagh pleaded guilty to killing 61-year-old Gerry Marron by setting fire to his home at St Macartan's Villas. He also admitted arson. McDonagh was 16 at the time of the offence. Justice Michael White noted that Mr Marron, who lived alone and was vulnerable due to previous injury, had been exploited by youths using his house for unsupervised drinking. The fire was started deliberately near the front door. Mr Marron died of smoke inhalation and could not be rescued. The judge imposed a headline sentence of twelve years but reduced it to nine years, with one year suspended, considering McDonagh's guilty plea, age, and mild to moderate learning disability. The sentence was backdated to March 2019. McDonagh entered a bond to engage with support services upon release.
2021-06-25 · Monaghan
A man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and arson following the death of a 61-year-old pensioner in a house fire in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan in March 2016. Aaron McDonagh, aged 21, of no fixed abode, admitted to killing Gerry Marron by setting fire to his home at St Macartans Villas and to damaging the property by fire whilst reckless as to whether life would be endangered. At sentencing in the Central Criminal Court, victim impact statements detailed Mr Marron's vulnerability following an acquired brain injury. His brother described standing helplessly outside the burning house and the family's distress at being unable to identify the body due to severe charring, requiring DNA confirmation instead. The sister recounted the horrendous condition of the remains within the home. Mr Marron's case was being heard following a full garda investigation into the fire.
2021-03-10 · Monaghan
A 21-year-old man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court for the death of a 61-year-old Monaghan man whose house was deliberately set alight in Carrickmacross in March 2016. Aaron McDonagh, of no fixed abode, initially faced a murder charge but entered a guilty plea to manslaughter and arson without lawful excuse. The prosecution counsel confirmed the Director of Public Prosecutions accepted the plea on a full facts basis. The court heard the accused was 16 years old at the time of the incident. A psychiatric assessment led to arrangements for support during his court appearance. Mr Justice Michael White ordered preparation of a probation service report examining the accused's family background and directed a victim impact statement be prepared. McDonagh was remanded in custody pending a sentence hearing scheduled for June 14. The unnamed 21-year-old pleaded not guilty.
2021-01-26 · Monaghan
A businessman from Monaghan remains in custody at Mountjoy Prison after declining to purge contempt of court. Fergal Deery has spent nearly eight weeks in prison since early December following a High Court finding that he breached orders made in March 2020. The orders, originally issued in 2015, required him to stay away from two properties in Monaghan Town formerly operated as a bar and nightclub. The properties were acquired by Wardglade Limited from a receiver in 2015. Wardglade brought fresh proceedings last year alleging multiple breaches, including unauthorised entry to the premises and a campaign of intimidation against company figures. At a High Court review on Tuesday, Mr Deery, appearing via video-link, denied breaching the orders and refused to give undertakings to comply. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds adjourned the matter to early February. Mr Deery denies the allegations and has claimed the original property sale was fraudulent.
2020-12-03 · Monaghan
A businessman must remain in Mountjoy Prison after a High Court judge found him in contempt of court orders relating to two properties in County Monaghan. Fergal Deery of Drumhillock was committed to prison this week following his arrest by Gardaí. The High Court had issued orders in 2015 restraining him from trespassing on premises in Monaghan Town, formerly operated as a bar and nightclub, which were acquired by Wardglade Limited from a receiver. Mr Justice Allen heard evidence on Thursday that Mr Deery had breached those orders on multiple occasions in 2019. Mr Deery denied the allegations and disputed CCTV evidence placing him at the properties. The judge ruled he should remain imprisoned unless he purges his contempt or obtains legal advice to challenge the March finding against him. Wardglade's counsel confirmed his client sought compliance with court orders rather than Mr Deery's continued incarceration.
2020-12-02 · Monaghan
A Monaghan businessman has been remanded in custody to Mountjoy Prison by the High Court following his arrest by gardaí on allegations of repeatedly breaching court orders relating to two properties in Monaghan Town. Fergal Deery of Drumhillock was brought before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds on Wednesday evening and is accused of trespassing on and interfering with premises formerly used as a bar and nightclub, contrary to High Court orders issued in 2015. The application was brought by Wardglade Limited, which acquired the properties from a receiver in 2015. The company alleges Mr Deery breached the orders on multiple occasions in 2019 and engaged in a campaign of intimidation against associated parties. Mr Deery, who appeared unrepresented, indicated his wish to purge his contempt. Ms Justice Reynolds remanded him in custody and ordered the matter returnable before Mr Justice Senan Allen on Thursday, noting that a punitive sentence for contempt may be imposed given Mr Deery's previous breaches and prior incarceration in 2018 for similar violations.
2020-07-13 · Monaghan
The High Court has extended the bankruptcy of John Hoey, a farmer from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, by eight years. Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington's decision means Mr Hoey will remain bankrupt until the end of February 2024. The extension was granted following findings that Mr Hoey had failed to cooperate with the Official Assignee, Chris Lehane, since an earlier judgment delivered in April. Mr Hoey's legal team argued that a document previously filed in 2016 constituted a statement of affairs, but the judge ruled this had no bearing on her findings. Mr Hoey was declared bankrupt in February 2016 following a petition by John Kelly Fuels Ltd for €262,000. He intends to appeal the court's ruling.
2020-05-22 · Monaghan
The High Court has extended the bankruptcy of a Carrickmacross farmer whose cattle were destroyed by Defence Forces marksmen in 2016. Justice Teresa Pilkington ruled that John Hoey failed to cooperate adequately with the Official Assignee, Chris Lehane, in disclosing his assets. The court found evidence that Mr Hoey concealed cash on his property, moved farm machinery to a local hotel, and did not fully disclose proceeds from cattle sales. Mr Hoey disputed the allegations, contesting that he provided required documentation and describing himself as haunted by the July 2016 culling of his cattle. The judge determined sufficient grounds existed to extend the bankruptcy, which began in February 2016, and adjourned the matter to allow both parties to submit proposals on the length of extension. The case will return to court next month for further hearing.
2020-03-13 · Monaghan
A High Court judge has directed that a Monaghan businessman be arrested and brought before the court over allegations he has breached orders restraining him from two properties in the county town. Mr Justice Senan Allen ruled that Fergal Deery of Drumhillock should be taken into custody by gardaí to answer alleged contempt of court. Wardglade Limited, which acquired the premises in 2015 following a receiver's sale, claimed Mr Deery breached High Court orders made that year prohibiting him from trespassing or interfering with the properties. The company alleged further breaches occurred in September and December 2019, when Mr Deery allegedly entered the properties without consent. Wardglade also claimed a campaign of intimidation against its director Ciaran Marron and others, including threats made on social media referencing Mr Marron's family. Mr Deery, who disputes the 2015 sale as fraudulent, was previously imprisoned for two weeks in July 2019 for contempt but was released after undertaking to comply with the orders.
2020-03-04 · Monaghan
Five cattle were shot on a Carrickmacross farm in July 2016 by members of the defence forces for public safety and disease prevention purposes, the High Court heard on Wednesday. Bankruptcy trustee Chris Lehane told the court that the animals were culled as a last resort after tuberculosis was detected in the herd and cattle had been found straying on public roads. Security concerns and the difficulty of containing the animals in challenging field conditions also factored in the decision, he said. The cattle belonged to the estate of John Hoey, who was declared bankrupt in February 2016 following a petition by John Kelly Fuels Ltd for €262,000. Mr Hoey opposes an application by Mr Lehane to extend his bankruptcy by up to ten years, claiming he has cooperated with the process. Justice Teresa Pilkington reserved her decision on the extension application.
2020-03-03 · Monaghan
A Carrickmacross farmer has opposed an application to extend his bankruptcy by up to ten years at the High Court. John Hoey was declared bankrupt in February 2016 following a petition by John Kelly Fuels Ltd for €262,000. The Official Assignee, Chris Lehane, seeks the extension under the Bankruptcy (Amendment) Act 2015, claiming non-cooperation including failure to provide a Statement of Affairs. During bankruptcy proceedings, five cattle on Mr Hoey's farm were shot by defence force members in July 2016. Mr Hoey contests the allegations, stating he furnished required documentation and that assets were sold below value. He also disputes claims the cattle were destroyed humanely, describing the incident as traumatic. Mr Lehane maintains enforcement actions were necessary and appropriate. The case before Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington continues, with cross-examination of the Official Assignee ongoing.
2019-11-25 · Dublin
A 46-year-old man from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, has been imprisoned for 14 months following a conviction at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for stealing over €3,300 from a vulnerable woman. Michael McGauley pleaded guilty to two counts of theft committed in October 2018, when he defrauded the woman by falsely promising to carry out insulation work on her home and to invest money on her behalf. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a three-year sentence with the final 22 months suspended on condition that McGauley repay the full stolen amount, which he has already begun doing. The court heard McGauley was struggling with gambling addiction and outstanding debts at the time of the offences. He has 25 previous convictions, including five for theft, and was on probation when the crimes occurred. His defence counsel indicated McGauley has since sought treatment through Gamblers Anonymous and has secured employment while making regular repayments to his victim.
2017-04-04 · Monaghan
Jim Smyth, a 43-year-old man from County Monaghan, is scheduled to face trial at the Special Criminal Court on May 15th. He is charged with membership of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on November 25th, 2015. The allegations stem from his arrest in Carrickmacross by the Special Detective Unit in November 2015, which was part of ongoing investigations into dissident republican activity. During these operations, gardai discovered a cache of firearms, including AK47 assault rifles, mortars, detonators, and other IED components. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding at the three-judge court, fixed the trial date, which is expected to last two weeks. The matter was not concluded; instead, Mr Smyth was remanded on continuing bail until the start of his trial. No plea, finding, or sentence has been recorded at this procedural stage, as the case remains at the pre-trial phase with the trial date set for next month.
2017-02-20 · Monaghan
The High Court heard an application on Monday seeking to extend the bankruptcy of a County Monaghan farmer by ten years. John Hoey, from Carrickmacross, was declared bankrupt in February 2016 following a petition by John Kelly Fuels Ltd for €262,000 and was due for discharge this month. The Official Assignee, Chris Lehane, represented by Bernard Dunleavy SC, contends that Mr Hoey has failed to cooperate with the bankruptcy process and seeks an order under the 2015 Bankruptcy (Amendment) Act to extend the bankruptcy by a decade, the maximum extension allowable being fifteen years from adjudication. Appearing in person, Mr Hoey requested an adjournment, stating he had only recently received documentation and was securing legal representation. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to after Easter and made a temporary extension order pending the court's next sitting.
2016-10-27 · Monaghan
The trial of Eugene Hanratty Snr and Eugune Hanratty Jnr is ongoing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Both defendants, from Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, have pleaded not guilty to the alleged assault of Martin McAllister causing him harm at Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, on November 24, 2012. The prosecution alleges that the younger accused blocked the victim's car with a jeep, after which his father exited the vehicle and assaulted Mr McAllister. The alleged victim testified that he suffered fractured nose and eye sockets during a sustained attack. Witness Mary McAllister described the senior accused as being in an "absolute mental frenzy," stating he struck her husband repeatedly on the head with fists and feet while she begged him to stop. She claimed the younger accused remained in the vehicle until later intervening to tell his father he had gone too far. Defence counsel characterized the incident as a dispute over shooting rights at a nearby duck sanctuary, suggesting the victim initiated the confrontation. While the defence alleged the victim discharged a pistol, which the accused then destroyed, the witness denied this. Garda witnesses testified that initial reports of a shooting incident were not corroborated by other officers. The matter remains at the trial stage with no verdict or sentence recorded.
2016-07-29 · Monaghan
A High Court judge has referred legal questions to the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding cost allocation in proceedings connected to the north-South electricity interconnector project. Mr Justice Richard Humpreys made the referral on Friday following a May judgment in which he dismissed a challenge by the North East Pylon Pressure Campaign Ltd, representing approximately 200 landowners in Cavan, Monaghan, and Meath, against An Bord Pleanála's decision to hold an oral hearing. The hearing, which opened in Carrickmacross in March, concerns EirGrid's application to construct approximately 300 pylons as part of the proposed interconnector under Strategic Infrastructure Development legislation. The judge determined that the cost applications raise issues requiring clarification on the application of European law, specifically the Environmental Impact Assessment directive and the Aarhus Convention on environmental access to justice. An expedited preliminary ruling has been requested. The costs applications have been adjourned pending the European court's decision.
2016-05-12 · Monaghan
The High Court has dismissed an action brought by the North East Pylon Pressure Campaign seeking to halt an oral hearing into EirGrid's application to construct approximately 300 pylons for the proposed North-South electricity interconnector. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys refused permission for the challenge on Thursday, finding that intermediate steps in planning processes should be allowed to proceed to conclusion. The group, representing nearly 200 landowners across Cavan, Meath and Monaghan, opposed the application on grounds including health and environmental concerns. It had also challenged the validity of EirGrid's application under Strategic Infrastructure Development legislation and raised difficulties regarding Environmental Impact and Natura Impact Statements. The judge stated that permitting challenges at each stage risked unnecessary disruption and multiplication of judicial review proceedings. He noted the group could pursue further challenges following An Bord Pleanála's final decision on the application. The oral hearing commenced in Carrickmacross in March. EirGrid contends the second interconnector is necessary to ensure adequate power flow between the two jurisdictions.
2016-03-18 · Monaghan
A group representing nearly 200 landowners in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath has initiated High Court judicial review proceedings challenging An Bord Pleanála's decision to hold an oral hearing on EirGrid's North-South electricity interconnector application. The North East Pylon Pressure Campaign Ltd opposes the proposed construction of 300 pylons as part of the project. The challenge centres on alleged deficiencies in the application's Environmental Impact and Natura Impact Statements, and contends EirGrid may not be the legitimate applicant. The oral hearing, underway in Carrickmacross, is expected to continue for twelve weeks. An Bord Pleanála and EirGrid oppose the judicial review, arguing the challenge was not brought within the required eight-week timeframe and that challenging the hearing's validity is premature pending a decision on the substantive application. The High Court previously dismissed the group's application for a temporary injunction. The hearing resumed in late March before Mr Justice Richard Humphrey.
2015-12-08 · Monaghan
Jim Smyth, a 43-year-old man from County Monaghan, was released on bail at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin following a trial-stage hearing. He is charged with membership of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on November 25th, 2015. The charge remains alleged and contested. Smyth was arrested in Carrickmacross by the Special Detective Unit during investigations into dissident republican activity that uncovered a cache of firearms, including AK47 assault rifles, mortars, and IED components. Detective Inspector William Hanrahan and Detective Chief Superintendent John McMahon objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charge and the need to prevent serious offences under Section 2 of the Bail Act. However, Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding with Judges John O'Hagan and Ann Ryan, granted bail, noting Smyth had no previous convictions and strong community roots. Conditions include signing daily at Monaghan Garda station, observing a curfew from 12pm to 7am, providing a mobile number, surrendering travel documents, not leaving the jurisdiction, and not associating with anyone charged with a scheduled offence. Smyth was released on his own bond of €20,000.
2015-11-29 · Monaghan
Jim Smyth, a 43-year-old man from County Monaghan, appeared at an out-of-hours sitting of the Special Criminal Court in Dublin to face charges related to alleged dissident republican activity. He was arrested by the Special Detective Unit on Main Street, Carrickmacross, outside the local garda station, as part of ongoing investigations. The court heard that Mr Smyth was charged with membership of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on November 25th, 2015. Detective Garda Colm Finnerty testified that he arrested Mr Smyth under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, explaining the reason for the arrest and cautioning him, to which Mr Smyth made no reply. The accused was subsequently detained in Carrickmacross Garda Station before being transported to the Special Criminal Court, where he was shown the charge sheet without responding. Defense counsel Breffni Gordon BL noted that Mr Smyth had been in custody since the previous Wednesday night. Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler, sitting with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge William Hamill, remanded Mr Smyth in custody until Wednesday morning, when a bail application is expected to be heard. The matter remains at the pretrial stage, with no plea entered or finding made.
2015-07-20 · Louth
A man from Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan has failed in his appeal against conviction for sexual exploitation of two children. Peter Clarke, aged 70, was convicted at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court on two counts relating to an incident on September 9 2011 involving two 12-year-old girls. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges. A jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final three years suspended in March 2014. The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal, with President Seán Ryan stating the trial was "satisfactory" and the conviction "safe". Mr Justice Ryan rejected multiple grounds of appeal, including submissions regarding the lawfulness of Clarke's arrest and detention, the admission of evidence, and jury instructions. The court found it would have been "wholly unstateable" for a jury to interpret Clarke's conduct and words as anything other than an invitation to engage in a sexual act. The judgment was delivered by Mr Justice Ryan, sitting with Ms Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan and Mr Justice Michael Peart.
2015-07-09 · Donegal
A 28-year-old teacher from Letterkenny in County Donegal has had the balance of a 12-month prison sentence suspended on appeal following a conviction for careless driving that resulted in a fatal collision. Declan O'Donnell pleaded guilty at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court to careless driving at Tulvaragh Lower, Carrickmacross on January 25th, 2013. He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment on June 17th, 2015. The Court of Appeal found that the sentencing judge had been unduly influenced by the tragic consequences rather than the circumstances of the driving itself. The court noted the absence of aggravating factors, including no evidence of speeding, erratic driving, or impairment. O'Donnell was suspended from driving while travelling home from Dublin to Donegal on a wet evening when his vehicle collided with another car. The appeal court determined the case could be appropriately dealt with through a non-custodial sentence and suspended the remainder of his term conditional on completing 200 hours of community service.
2015-04-13 · Monaghan
The High Court has made an order preventing a solicitor from practising for ten years following admissions of professional misconduct. Mr Patrick E Callanan, who has been a solicitor since 1995 and formerly practised at Wells & O'Carroll Solicitors on Main Street in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, admitted providing false earnings certificates and false employment documentation to several financial institutions to assist his sister in obtaining a mortgage in 2004. He also admitted giving multiple undertakings to lending institutions regarding property charges in Carrickmacross. A Solicitor's Disciplinary Tribunal had found his conduct amounted to misconduct and recommended restrictions on his practice. However, the Law Society applied to the High Court for his removal from the Roll of Solicitors, citing public protection and professional reputation. High Court President Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns imposed a ten-year ban on practice, with any future return to the profession requiring fresh court application.
2015-01-30 · Monaghan
Two Lithuanian men have been sentenced to four years in prison with the final two years suspended at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following their conviction on extortion and threatening-to-kill charges. Deividas Sutkevicius, aged 29, of Fox Lodge, Ratoath, County Meath, and Arturas Jankus, aged 52, of Cortolvin View, Monaghan, were found guilty of demanding €3,500 and €2,500 with menaces from a Monaghan-based fitter on separate dates in March and April 2011. They were also convicted of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the same man on those occasions. The offences occurred at a garage between Carrickmacross and Ardee. Both men have been ordered to remain away from the injured party and his family for twenty years. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed the sentence on each count. Both defendants have no previous convictions.
2014-12-13 · Monaghan
A 70-year-old man from Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan has failed in his appeal against sentences for sexually assaulting two young girls. Peter Clarke pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault committed in May and September 2011. He received two concurrent five-year prison sentences at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court in January 2013. Clarke's barrister argued the sentencing judge had failed to give proper weight to the guilty plea and had made inappropriate remarks during sentencing. The Court of Appeal yesterday rejected the appeal, finding the trial judge had properly considered all circumstances and mitigating factors. The court was not satisfied the sentences were unduly severe. Clarke remains in custody and will be required to engage with the probation service for seven years following his release.
2014-03-11 · Monaghan
A man convicted of dangerous driving causing death has been returned to prison following a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Court of Criminal Appeal. Kevin McArdle, aged 31, of Longfield, Carrickmacross, was originally sentenced to four years with one year suspended by Monaghan Circuit Court in October 2011. The appellate court found the sentence unduly lenient. McArdle was driving with almost three-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit on December 27th, 2010, when his BMW collided head-on with a vehicle driven by Stephen Connolly on the Carrickmacross to Ardee road. The collision resulted in the deaths of Mr Connolly's wife, their unborn child, and two passengers in McArdle's vehicle. The Court of Criminal Appeal substituted the original sentence with six years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. McArdle was also disqualified from driving for twelve years and ordered to serve a further one year in custody from the date of judgment.
2014-01-22 · Dublin
The Court of Criminal Appeal announced that several appeals may require re-hearings due to the serious illness of Mr Justice Michael Hanna. Chief Justice Susan Denham stated that cases where judgement was reserved and no final decision determined will be reconstituted. This includes the appeal by former priest Tony Walsh (59), who is challenging separate sentences of 16 years and 15 months for rape and sexual abuse. It also affects the case of businessman Anthony Lyons (52), where the court previously found his six-month sentence for violent sexual assault "unduly lenient" but reserved reasons and the replacement sentence. Counsel for the DPP requested time to take instructions on the appropriate course. Additionally, the appeal by Brian Rattigan (32), serving a life sentence for the 2001 stabbing death of Declan Gavin, may need re-hearing as he seeks leave to appeal to the Supreme Court. The court fixed February 14 for the re-hearing of the conviction appeal by brothers Warren and Jeffrey Dumbrell, who were jailed for life for the murder of Christopher Cawley. In contrast, the case of Kevin McCardle (31), who caused three deaths in a head-on collision while over the alcohol limit, will not be reheard. Although the court found his four-year sentence (one suspended) "unduly lenient," judgement has been returned, and only the sentencing portion of his case has been adjourned.
2013-09-23 · Monaghan
The Court of Criminal Appeal has found that a four-year sentence imposed on a man convicted of dangerous driving causing death was unduly lenient. Kevin McArdle, aged 31, of Longfield, Carrickmacross, was originally sentenced at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court in October 2011 following a collision on the Carrickmacross to Ardee road on 27 December 2010. Three people died in the incident: Stephen Connolly's wife, their unborn child, and two passengers in McArdle's vehicle. The court heard McArdle had consumed almost three-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit and was driving on the wrong side of the road at the time. Mr Justice Donal O'Donnell rejected characterisations of the incident as a momentary lapse, describing it instead as an utterly predictable consequence of excessive drinking. The judge adjourned sentencing for two months to allow consideration of whether the custodial portion should be extended, pending psychological and garda reports on McArdle's rehabilitation prospects.