A cattle farmer, Martin Murray, 59, was convicted of importing €730,000 worth of cannabis and was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. He appealed his conviction at the Court of Appeal, arguing that his solicitor had not understood the significance of hearsay evidence presented to the jury. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC contended that confidential information, including details of Garda confirmation that drugs would be found in the truck and Murray's identity as the target, was improperly introduced without warning to the jury. He claimed the trial judge should have clarified that this was hearsay. State counsel Kevin White BL defended the prosecution's use of the evidence, stating that the solicitor had consented to its presentation. The court adjourned the matter to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions to address the factual issues, with a further hearing scheduled for July 14. Martin Murray pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court hearing on 5 June 2025, it was revealed that JP Magnier, son of billionaire John Magnier, handed two brown envelopes containing €50,000 in cash to an estate agent involved in a failed €15 million sale of Barne Estate in County Tipperary. The money was described by JP as an "appreciation" for allowing the Magnier side access to the land and for the estate's alleged financial difficulties. JP claimed his father had instructed him to deliver the cash on 8 September 2023, and that the envelopes were to be passed to the Thomson‑Moore family, the trustees of the estate. The estate agent reportedly pushed the envelopes to JP on 11 September, citing concerns that the farm manager might have seen the original transaction. The case, which also involves an exclusivity agreement and a dispute over a reneged sale, is set to resume in two weeks before Mr Justice Max Barrett.
In a High Court hearing on 4 June 2025, David Wachman, son‑in‑law of John Magnier, denied that Coolmore used a "ruse" by employing third parties to bid on a 751‑acre Tipperary farm before allegedly "low‑balling" the sellers with a €10 million offer. Wachman said it was "common practice" to start bids below a vendor's valuation to control expectations. He explained that Coolmore had an exclusivity agreement from 31 August to 30 September 2023, during which the Barne Estate could not solicit offers from anyone other than Coolmore. The estate, held by a Jersey trust for Richard Thomson‑Moore, rejected the alleged deal and sold the land to US construction magnate Maurice Regan for €22.25 million. Regan is not a party to the case. The hearing continues before Mr Justice Max Barrett.
In a High Court hearing on 30 May 2025, Susan Magnier, wife of billionaire John Magnier, supported her husband's claim that a €15 million purchase of a 751‑acre tract in County Tipperary had been agreed at a kitchen‑table meeting on 22 August 2023 at the Coolmore estate. She testified that the sellers, represented by estate agent John Stokes, moved to another room to contact trustees and a beneficiary before returning to accept the offer. The Magniers allege that the deal was later abandoned in favour of a higher €22.25 million offer from New York developer Maurice Regan, who they say used a "full‑frontal assault" to undermine the agreement. The defendants deny any agreement, claiming they required trustee consent and ultimately sold to Regan. The case is set to continue before Mr Justice Max Barrett next week.
During a High Court hearing on 29 May 2025, John Magnier, the billionaire behind Coolmore Stud, testified that a barrister had "unfairly gone after" his good name and that he had come to court for "protection, not to be slaughtered." He argued that his reputation was essential for business and that the opposition's lawyer, Martin Hayden SC, had tried to undermine it. Magnier claimed that a failed €15 million land deal in Tipperary had been agreed with Barne Estate on 22 August 2023, with an exclusivity period until 30 September 2023, but that the estate later sold the land to Maurice Regan for €22.25 million. He alleged that the estate's representatives had misrepresented the agreement and that he had attempted to enforce the deal by suing the estate, Richard Thomson‑Moore and associated companies. The case remains before Mr Justice Max Barrett.
In a High Court hearing on 28 May 2025, John Magnier, the Irish bloodstock billionaire, argued that money is not personally significant to him but serves as a metric for business performance. He explained that he had engaged legal and financial experts for decisions beyond his expertise. Magnier claimed that a former exclusive agreement to purchase 751 acres in County Tipperary for €15 million was breached when the estate, Barne, sold the land to Maurice Regan for €22.25 million. He alleged that Regan's actions constituted a "full‑frontal assault" on the deal and that the estate's agent described the situation as "greed." Magnier, together with his adult children, seeks enforcement of the alleged agreement, which they say was signed on 22 August 2023 and remained exclusive until 30 September. The defendants deny any such contract and argue the sale to Regan was lawful. The case remains before Mr Justice Max Barrett.
In a High Court hearing on 27 May 2025, bloodstock billionaire John Magnier testified that he had reached an agreement to buy 751 acres in County Tipperary for €15 million in August 2023, but the deal collapsed when the former owners, represented by Barne Estate, sold the land to US construction magnate Maurice Regan for €22.5 million. Magnier claimed an exclusivity period from 31 August to 30 September 2023 prevented other parties from soliciting the property, and that the estate agent's remark that "greed" was the reason for the failure was a key point of his evidence. He alleged that the estate returned his initial payments in September 2023 and that the sale was sabotaged by Regan, who allegedly used a journalist to influence the agent. The case, which is expected to last three weeks, seeks to enforce the alleged agreement and is currently before Mr Justice Max Barrett.
In a High Court hearing on 27 May 2025, lawyers for billionaire John Magnier alleged that the Barne Estate, managed by a Jersey trust, breached an exclusivity agreement and sold 751 acres of Tipperary land to Maurice Regan for €22.5 million after Magnier claimed a €15 million deal had been struck on 22 August 2023. Magnier, his adult children John Paul and Kate, and their counsel Paul Gallagher SC presented evidence that the estate had agreed not to solicit offers from anyone other than Magnier between 31 August and 30 September 2023. The defendants denied any such agreement and said they had sold the land to Regan, who is not a party to the case. Gallagher also alleged that Regan had arranged for journalist Paul Williams to contact the estate agent, implying Regan's exclusion was unlawful. The case is expected to last three weeks.
In the trial of Richard Satchwell, the defence counsel challenged the Gardaí's claim that the accused was paraded before the press after being charged with murdering his wife. The Garda detective denied that a "perp walk" occurred, stating that Satchwell was handcuffed and escorted to Cashel District Court by five officers, but that this was not a public parade. The defence also questioned whether the Gardaí had over‑compensated for a 2017 investigative failure, to which the detective admitted he could only speak of his involvement from 2021. The trial heard that Satchwell, aged 58, was charged in October 2023 after an invasive search of the home uncovered his wife's decomposed remains. The case continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
Amy McAuley, 35, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to using a false instrument by submitting a false death notification form to Wexford County Council on January 19, 2023. She also admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice on January 23, 2023, and forging a medical report on November 23, 2022. The court heard that McAuley faked her death to avoid attending trial for prior theft and fraud offences. Judge Orla Crowe described the matter as complex and directed Probation Services to prepare a risk assessment report. The case was adjourned to October for finalisation. Defence counsel Rebecca Smith BL noted McAuley is now living in Dublin and successfully applied to change the Garda station where she must sign on twice weekly. Judge Crowe granted this application and remanded McAuley on continuing bail. The court also noted that the Director of Public Prosecutions had previously appealed a 2015 sentence of two years, suspended for ten years, for theft of nearly €111,000, citing undue leniency. The Court of Appeal declined to alter that sentence but extended the repayment period to seven-and-a-half years, with the balance still outstanding.
In a tribunal hearing on 12 May 2025, Daniel Holland's claim that he was dismissed from James Whelan Butchers because of his SIPTU membership was rejected. Holland, who joined the company on 24 April 2023 and was terminated on 23 April 2024, argued that his emails to human resources accusing managers of dishonesty were the real cause. The tribunal found that the dismissal was linked to Holland's "misalignment" with the company, not his union membership. The adjudicator noted that Holland's emails were seen as damaging to the employment relationship and that the union was not a primary factor. The company's barrister described the union claim as a "retro‑fit" and highlighted Holland's lack of the required 12‑month service. The tribunal dismissed Holland's complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977.
Amy McAuley, 35, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of using a false instrument by submitting a false death notification form to Wexford County Council on January 19, 2023. She also admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice on January 23, 2023, and forging a medical report on November 23, 2022. Additionally, McAuley entered guilty pleas to five counts of theft and one count of possession of the proceeds of crime on separate dates between November 2015 and May 2023. The court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed her 2015 sentence of two years, suspended for 10 years, for stealing nearly €111,000 from a former employer, citing undue leniency. The Court of Appeal declined to alter the sentence but extended the repayment period to seven-and-a-half years. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case for finalisation next week.
A Commercial Court case involving former Morgan Stanley broker Jeffrey Leo has been adjourned to the end of the month after the plaintiffs' lawyers attempted to remove Wenning Holdings Ltd from the proceedings. The case centres on allegations that Leo misappropriated US$60m (€58m) given by American couple Mary and James Wenning to invest in a portfolio of Irish properties, including Dundrum House Hotel, Pillo Hotel, Tullamaine Castle, Golden Vale Hotel, Drumonna House, Celbridge Manor and Powerscourt Arms Hotel. The Wenning couple claim the money was advanced as a loan or in exchange for equity, while Leo denies the claims. Liquidator Kieran Wallace seeks orders making Leo personally liable for Wenning Holdings' debts, against former auditor Colm Malone, and against Leo Financial Investments Ltd and Steelworks Investments Ltd. The court noted that the removal of Wenning Holdings was part of a "narrowing" of proceedings that did not prejudice the defence.
William Kiely, aged 52, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to three counts of dishonestly appropriating money from Barrington Capital Ltd's accounts between 2007 and 2010. The court found that he had transferred about €2 million of investors' funds into unauthorised stock‑market trades, losing roughly $1.47 million USD and €700,000 in the process. Kiely also pleaded guilty to operating the company with intent to defraud creditors from July 2008 to February 2010 and to falsifying a financial statement on 12 March 2010. He had set up Barrington Capital as a legitimate investment vehicle to buy U.S. commercial property, but after the 2008 crash he diverted the money to the stock market and used it for lifestyle expenses and personal payments. No investors received any restitution, and the court noted the significant financial and emotional harm suffered by the victims. Kiely is also disqualified from serving as a company director for five years.
Padraic Troy, 29, of Golden Gardens, Dundrum, Co. Tipperary, was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for two counts of rape, anal rape and two sexual assaults of a female acquaintance in 2021. The victim, who was discharged from hospital after an ambulance transfer, had called Troy for assistance. He met her at 3:24 am, accompanied her to a car, and during the journey he began kissing her. After another man left, Troy raped, anally raped and sexually assaulted her in her bedroom. The victim reported the assault the next day, and a DNA profile matched Troy. He denied the allegations, claiming consensual sex. The court noted the victim's life was profoundly affected, citing loss of employment, anxiety and trust issues. Justice Melanie Greally imposed the ten‑year sentence, back‑dated to the date Troy entered custody, and a one‑year post‑release supervision order.
In the case of the Director of Public Prosecutions versus Emmett Rigney, a 22‑year‑old from Shinrone, Co Offaly, the Court of Appeal upheld a two‑year suspended sentence. Rigney was convicted of dangerous driving causing serious bodily injury after a head‑on collision with a vehicle in Ballingarry, Co Tipperary, on 14 August 2021. The crash left a five‑year‑old daughter with a severe traumatic brain injury and caused significant financial and emotional hardship for her family, including a pregnant mother who testified that the incident had a destructive impact. The original headline sentence of three and a half years was reduced to two years, suspended for two years on the condition of €10,000 compensation, and Rigney was disqualified from driving for six years.
In a High Court hearing on 20 February 2025, the case concerning the closure of a historic Franciscan church in Clonmel was struck out after the Abbey House Prayer Group ended its illegal sit‑in. The group had occupied the Friary Church since New Year's Eve 2024, protesting the Franciscan Order's decision to close the 13th‑century building. The prayer group had previously been allowed temporary use of the church under a May 2023 agreement. Mr Justice Brian Cregan had sought an undertaking from Patrick O'Gorman, the group's chairman, that the sit‑in would cease. O'Gorman confirmed the group would vacate the church by midnight 23 January, acknowledging the protest was illegal. After receiving this undertaking, the judge struck out the case without further orders, recognising the church's imminent closure as a "devastating loss" to the prayer group.
A 15‑year‑old was convicted of anal rape of a 15‑year‑old girl and was originally sentenced to six months' detention and community supervision. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal quashed the original term and set a headline sentence of nine years, then reduced it to four and a half years after a 50% reduction for the offender's age and maturity. Further mitigating factors led to a one‑year reduction, giving a final headline of three and a half years. The court suspended the last 12 months on a €100 bond, with the sentence backdated to the day of custody. The teenager has already been released and will return to prison to serve the remaining term. The case involved an assault that included forced oral and anal penetration, with the victim reporting severe physical injury and lasting psychological impact. The unnamed girl pleaded not guilty and was acquitted.
A 79‑year‑old man was given a 20‑month suspended prison sentence for indecent assaults on his teenage sister‑in‑law that occurred in 1973. The victim was 13 at the time and the defendant was 29. The judge, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring, highlighted the significant breach of trust by a family member and the lasting impact on the victim's life, noting that the abuse took 46 years to be formally reported. The sentence was imposed with strict conditions and the judge explained that it would be served in the community. The defendant pleaded guilty, and the court considered his age, health, and prior good character, deciding that custodial imprisonment was not warranted. The judge expressed hope that the defendant's acceptance of responsibility would help the victim move forward.
James Hawkins, 24, of Ellis Quay Hostel, pleaded guilty to a single robbery on 21 February 2023 at College Green, Dublin. He violently took a woman's purse after she withdrew €200 from an ATM at about 6.30 pm. The victim, an American student in her early 30s studying at Trinity College, was left with cuts to her knees and torn tights. CCTV from Grafton Street showed Hawkins running away; he was identified, arrested, and admitted the offence. Hawkins has 76 prior convictions, all District Court matters, and was homeless with heroin and crack addiction at the time. He cooperated, pleaded early, and apologized. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a three‑year custodial sentence, suspended the final six months for two years, and ordered 12 months of probation. Hawkins will be released on bond before being led away.
The Court of Appeal heard that a 15‑year‑old was convicted of anal rape of a 15‑year‑old girl and sentenced to six months and one week of detention followed by the same period of community supervision. The State argued the sentence was too lenient, citing aggravating factors such as the victim's alcohol consumption, the anal injury sustained and the defendant's intent. The State also challenged the judge's discounts for the defendant's age and for delays in investigation. The defence maintained that the judge's assessment was within the discretion available and that mitigating factors were appropriately considered. The court reserved judgment on the appeal. The case involved the defendant taking the victim to a derelict house, giving her cider, and forcing sexual acts while she repeatedly said "No" and cried. The victim's impact statement described lasting fear and avoidance of leaving home. The unnamed girl pleaded not guilty and was acquitted.
The Central Criminal Court sentenced a 54‑year‑old man to ten and a half years' imprisonment for a series of violent offences committed at his family home in County Tipperary. He raped his stepdaughter and forced her to watch while he raped his wife, using an axe during the assault. Earlier that year he was convicted of sexual assault, sexual exploitation of a child, oral rape, assault causing harm and threats to kill against his stepdaughter, and of rape, oral rape, assault causing harm, assault causing serious harm and a threat against his wife. The court noted that both victims were afraid to speak and that the man had threatened to kill the stepdaughter if she disclosed the abuse. He denied the allegations and claimed a conspiracy.
In a High Court hearing on 26 July 2024, Crann Ard Developments Ltd sought orders to halt the presence of horses on its Ardgeeha Upper land in Clonmel, County Tipperary, where it intends to build a €55 million residential development of 114 units. The company claims that Mr William Reilly has left his horses on the site without permission, thereby trespassing and preventing the commencement of construction. It requests an injunction restraining Mr Reilly from entering or interfering with the land, blocking access, and compelling him to remove all livestock. Mr Reilly's solicitors alleged continuous possession of the land since 2007, but the company rejects any entitlement. The court granted the company permission to serve short‑notice injunction proceedings, with the matter set to return next week. The company plans to start groundworks in August and September but fears financial loss if construction is delayed. The judge was Mr Justice Mark Sanfey.
A 22‑year‑old serial sex offender, who was on bail for defilement of a 15‑year‑old, was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison for raping a 13‑year‑old girl and falsely imprisoning her 16‑year‑old friend. The offence occurred on 22 June 2023 in County Tipperary when the offender drove the girls to buy cannabis, then took the younger girl out of the car, locked the older girl inside, and forced the rape. He had previously admitted the defilement charge and pleaded guilty to the rape. The judge noted the large age disparity, the pre‑meditated nature of the crime, and the impact on the victim's mental health. A psychological report placed him at high risk of reoffending; he must serve about two years of a prior suspended sentence before the new term, remain drug‑free, attend mental health and probation services, and be listed on the Sex Offenders' Register.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, James Hawkins, 24, pleaded guilty to robbing an American student studying at Trinity College after she withdrew €200 from an ATM on College Green. The victim, in her early 30s, was forced to surrender her purse, which contained cash, identification cards and credit cards. Hawkins, who has 76 prior convictions, was identified via CCTV, arrested, and admitted the offence. He apologized, claiming the robbery was unplanned and that he was homeless and struggling with drug addiction at the time. The court noted his cooperation, early guilty plea and desire to re‑engage with family and work upon release. No victim impact statement was available, and the case was adjourned to 21 November for further evidence and a governor's report. The court considered a custodial sentence with possible partial suspension.
At the Central Criminal Court, a psychiatrist denied allegations that he selectively considered evidence supporting an insanity defence in assessing a Mayo man charged with his wife's murder. Dr Ronan Mullaney was cross-examined regarding his assessment of James Kilroy, aged 51, who is charged with murdering Valerie French Kilroy at their home in 2019. The accused has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecution counsel suggested Dr Mullaney omitted evidence that Kilroy appeared rational when an insulation contractor visited shortly before the killing, querying whether he was only interested in material bolstering his psychosis conclusion. Dr Mullaney maintained he would likely include such evidence if preparing his report again. The court heard evidence regarding Kilroy's cannabis use and mental health history. Consultant psychiatrist Professor Harry Kennedy was subsequently called for the prosecution, providing background on Kilroy's family circumstances and substance use over decades. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and jury.
A 26‑year‑old woman, who was raped by Tadgh Lonergan at a house party in Tipperary, delivered a victim impact statement at his sentencing hearing. She said the assault left her feeling "like a prisoner" in her own life, describing severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, flashbacks, nightmares and a loss of confidence. She noted that the rape disrupted her teaching career, her plans to travel and her sense of security, and that her loved ones also suffered. She urged the judge to consider the lasting effect of the crime and to help her regain her former self. Judge Tony Hunt acknowledged her statement, noted the seriousness of the offence, and remanded Lonergan in custody until the sentencing date on 29 July. The judge also highlighted that Lonergan had no prior convictions and that the case had been a "perfectly normal night out" turned tragic. Tadgh Lonergan pleaded not guilty.
A trial date of 23 February 2026 has been set at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for three Gardaí accused of burglary and perverting the course of justice. Robert Gorman, aged 43, is charged with burglary of a basement flat at Mountjoy Square North on 7 September 2021, and with two counts of perverting the course of justice: one for allegedly signing information for a search warrant for that flat between 30 September and 30 December 2021, and another for allegedly creating three incidents on the Garda Pulse computer system on 21 September 2021. Ciaran Whelan, aged 51, is charged with burglary of the same basement flat on 7 September 2021, burglary of a flat on Kenilworth Road on 19 June 2021, and three counts of perverting the course of justice between 25 August and 27 September 2021, including a false report to a superintendent and amended data on the Garda Pulse system.
Declan 'Mr Nobody' Brady, a former senior Kinahan cartel member, was sentenced at the Special Criminal Court to a nine-year prison term for facilitating the murder of Christopher Kirwan. The court found that Brady attached a tracker device to Kirwan's vehicle, aiding the gang in the December 2016 killing of the innocent man, who was shot after being photographed attending a funeral. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the act as a pre-planned, execution-style murder and noted Brady's status as a trusted operative. Brady pleaded guilty to the single charge of participating in a criminal organisation to facilitate a serious offence. The judge fixed a 13-year headline sentence, reduced by three years for the guilty plea, resulting in a ten-year term with the final year suspended conditional on dissociation from the Kinahan group. This sentence runs concurrent to previous convictions: an 11.5-year term for supervising a firearms arsenal and an eight-year, three-month term for laundering over €400,000, both with suspended portions. The court also referenced Michael Crotty, who admitted buying phone credit for Sean McGovern, an act deemed reckless as to whether it facilitated the Kinahan organisation in the murder. Crotty's case is distinct from Brady's sentencing, which was backdated to April 30 last year.
Gerard O'Brien, 59, a former Circuit Court judge, was sentenced to five years and nine months' imprisonment, with 21 months suspended, for one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault against six young men. The offences, committed while he was a teacher at CBC Monkstown between 1991 and 1997, involved victims aged 17 to 24, four of whom were students or former students. O'Brien pleaded not guilty, resigned as a judge in January 2024, and had his sentencing hearing postponed twice. The judge noted O'Brien's age, disability and psychological vulnerability, but also highlighted his misuse of disability to exploit victims, lack of remorse, and predatory behaviour. O'Brien will serve the custodial term, be subject to a two‑year post‑release supervision order, and his conviction was deemed to show he was unsuitable to hold judicial office.
Gerard O'Brien, a former Circuit Court judge aged 59, had his sentencing hearing for attempted rape and sexual abuse of six young men adjourned to Friday. He was convicted in December at the Central Criminal Court of one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault involving six victims, all of whom were aged 17 to 24 at the time of the offences, which took place in Dublin between March 1991 and November 1997. O'Brien, who taught at CBC Monkstown and was aged 27 to 33 during the incidents, pleaded not guilty to all allegations. He had no prior convictions and resigned from the judiciary in January after being appointed in 2015. The court noted his rare congenital condition, Phocomelia, caused by Thalidomide, which left him without upper limbs and missing a lower limb, requiring assistance with daily tasks.
Michael Crotty (42) was sentenced to two years' imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for facilitating a serious offence by a criminal organisation. Crotty, a gym owner from Cashel, Co Tipperary, initially pleaded not guilty to facilitating the murder of Noel Kirwan but entered a guilty plea in February to participating in activity reckless as to whether it would facilitate a serious offence. The court found that Crotty bought €20 in phone credit for Sean McGovern, a leading Kinahan cartel member, which was used to coordinate the 2016 murder of Mr Kirwan. Presiding Judge Caroline Biggs set a headline sentence of six years, reduced to two years due to Crotty's guilty plea, lack of prior convictions, and 21 exceptional character references. The judge noted that while Crotty did not intend the credit to be used for murder, its use in the killing was an aggravating factor. This is the fourth conviction related to the case. Previously, Jason Keating (32) was jailed for 10 years for his significant role in the murder. Declan 'Mr Nobody' Brady (57) and Martin Aylmer (37) also pleaded guilty to facilitating or contributing to the murder of Mr Kirwan, though their specific sentences are not detailed in this report. The matter was finalised with Crotty's sentencing.
A former Circuit Court judge, Gerard O'Brien, aged 59, was told by the court that he is likely to receive a custodial sentence for attempted rape and sexual assault of six young men between 1991 and 1997. O'Brien, a former teacher and solicitor, was convicted in December 2023 of one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault. The victims, aged 17 to 24, were either his students or former students. The judge, Mr Justice Alexander Owens, said he would impose a custodial sentence when the case is finalised on 29 May 2024 and remanded O'Brien on continuing bail. O'Brien pleaded not guilty to all allegations. The court considered psychological reports, victim impact statements and O'Brien's personal circumstances, including his disability and history of depression, but did not yet decide the final sentence.
At the Special Criminal Court, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs adjourned the sentence hearing for Michael Crotty to May 13. Crotty, 42, of Co Tipperary, pleaded not guilty to facilitating the murder of Noel Kirwan before entering a guilty plea in February to participating in a criminal organisation's activity. The State alleged Crotty facilitated the killing by purchasing €20 in mobile credit for Sean McGovern, described in evidence as a leading Kinahan cartel figure. Detective Sergeant Sean Cosgrove presented evidence linking a tracking device on Mr Kirwan's car to unregistered numbers used by Crotty and others, suggesting awareness of the unlawful purpose. Victim impact statements were read, including from Donna Kirwan, who expressed hope that the facilitator would "never see the light of day again." Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC noted Crotty's early guilty plea and submitted references. Separately, the report notes that Jason Keating, 32, was previously jailed for 10 years for his role in the "execution-style murder" of Mr Kirwan, having admitted to facilitating the offence. The matter regarding Crotty remains adjourned and is not concluded.
The High Court approved a Personal Insolvency Arrangement for 70‑year‑old widow Marian Phillips, allowing her to address about €2.4 million of debt while staying in her home at Kenley Close, Model Farm Road, Cork. Phillips had fallen into financial difficulty because of high interest rates on loans from lenders. Her creditors include Start Mortgages DAC (over €2 million owed), Cabot Financial, the Revenue Commissioners, a property management company and a solicitors' firm. Under the arrangement, four buy‑to‑let residential properties owned by Phillips – three in Cork and one in Clonmel, County Tipperary – valued at just over €1 million will be sold to satisfy secured creditors. The remaining debts will be written off. Phillips will also enter a State‑approved Mortgage‑to‑Rent/Social Tenancy scheme for her principal private residence, a semi‑detached three‑bedroom house valued at about €345,000.
A 73‑year‑old man, whose identity is withheld to protect victims, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to four counts of rape, attempted rape and sexual assault. The offences occurred between 2012 and 2019 in County Tipperary, involving two young girls who were cousins of the complainants. The first victim, aged about ten or eleven at the time of the first contact, described a pattern of inappropriate touching, kissing and an attempted rape that ended when she entered secondary school. The second victim, aged about four or five, was raped on three separate occasions, the first when she was five or six. Both girls, now 17 and 16, gave impact statements detailing how the abuse has left them unable to recall happy childhood memories, caused them to feel unsafe, and led to shame, suicidal thoughts and trust issues.
John Doyle, 49, of Littleton, Co. Tipperary, was convicted in Wexford of two counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault against his two daughters and his niece. The offences occurred between 2006 and 2017 in the family home and a mobile home. Doyle denied wrongdoing and maintains his innocence. The judge, Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford, described the acts as a "breach of trust of the gravest kind" and imposed concurrent sentences of 12 years for the rape counts, with one year suspended on strict conditions. He received additional sentences of six and four years for the sexual assault counts, all to run concurrently, and was directed to remain away from the victims for five years post‑release under probation supervision. The court noted Doyle's refusal to accept responsibility and the impact on the victims' safety and trust.
Gerard O'Brien, a former Circuit Court judge aged 59, was convicted in December 2023 by a Central Criminal Court jury of one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault involving six young men. The offences, which took place between March 1991 and November 1997 in Dublin, were committed while O'Brien was a teacher in his 30s. The complainants, four of whom were his students, were aged 17 to 24 at the time. O'Brien denied all charges. He resigned from the judiciary in February 2024. Defence counsel requested a delay of the sentence hearing to allow completion of several reports, which are expected to be ready by mid‑April. The court agreed to adjourn the hearing to 29 April, and O'Brien remains on continuing bail.
A man named Michael Crotty, aged 41, admitted to facilitating the Kinahan Cartel by buying a mobile top‑up for Sean McGovern, a leading figure in the cartel, during a Special Criminal Court hearing. Crotty had previously pleaded not guilty to a charge related to the 2016 murder of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, an innocent man mistakenly targeted by the cartel. In the hearing, Crotty pleaded guilty to a new charge of recklessness under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, stating he had no intention for the top‑up to be used in endangering anyone. The court noted that Kirwan was shot dead after the Regency Hotel attack, which had involved the cartel. The judge extended Crotty's bail and adjourned sentencing to April 22. The trial had been scheduled for up to five weeks and included testimony on the cartel's structure and activities.
Graham Daly, aged 40, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for repeatedly raping and sexually abusing his younger brother between January 1998 and December 2002. The offences were tried in the Central Criminal Court in December 2021, where a jury found him guilty on seven counts. Daly pleaded not guilty and has maintained his innocence, arguing that the sentence was too severe. He appealed to the Court of Appeal, claiming the judge erred in assessing the severity and in balancing aggravating and mitigating factors, and that the sentence was disproportionate. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, stating that the gravity of the repeated, escalating offences justified a headline sentence range of 10 to 15 years, and that the judge's decision to place the sentence within that range was correct. The court found no error in the judge's approach and upheld the eight‑and‑a‑half‑year term.
Sean McGovern, injured in the 2016 Regency Hotel attack, is named in the Special Criminal Court as a senior leader of the Kinahan organised crime group. The court heard sworn testimony on the Kinahan cartel's command structure and activities, and evidence that 33 people linked to the organisation, who were "going to be involved in violence and murder," have been arrested by Gardaí. Detective Superintendent David Gallagher testified that the Kinahan group is driven by monetary gain, primarily through drug trafficking, and enforces control by violence, firearms and murder. He described the organisation as hierarchical, with a core in Dubai and cells in Europe and South America, noting a dramatic fall in violence since 2018. Gallagher confirmed McGovern's leadership role and that he is currently based in Dubai. The hearing also covered the murder of Noel Kirwan, mistakenly targeted by the Kinahans, and the prosecution of Michael Crotty for facilitating that murder. Michael Crotty pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan presented evidence that Christopher 'Noel' Kirwan, an innocent man with no criminal involvement, was shot six times and died from multiple gunshot wounds to his head, chest, arm and abdomen. The pathologist identified eight separate injuries caused by six bullets, including a bullet that entered Kirwan's chest, damaging the aorta and the lower lobe of the left lung, leading to heart and lung failure. Additional wounds to the chest, abdomen and right arm caused blood loss. A bullet entered Kirwan's head below the right eye, fracturing his upper jaw and lodging beneath the lower jaw. Toxicology tests were negative for drugs or alcohol. Michael Crotty, 40, is on trial for allegedly facilitating Kirwan's murder by topping up a mobile phone for Sean McGovern; Crotty pleaded not guilty to the single charge.
A 40‑year‑old man with no prior convictions, Michael Crotty, is on trial before the Special Criminal Court for allegedly topping up a prepaid mobile phone that was used in the murder of Christopher 'Noel' Kirwan, who was mistakenly linked to the Regency Hotel shooting. Crotty pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges he purchased a top‑up for the third phone at a Spar shop in Naas on 21 December 2016, the day before Kirwan's murder. They claim he knew or was reckless about the phone's potential use in a serious crime. Crotty was arrested in March 2021 and questioned by Gardaí. He is charged under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act for participating or contributing to the murder of Kirwan. The court will consider a media application regarding a party named only as AB in evidence. The trial is ongoing.
Michael Crotty, 41, of Aras na Rí, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, pleaded not guilty to a single charge of facilitating a criminal organisation in the murder of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, 62, who was shot six times in his car on 22 December 2016 at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. The charge alleges that between 20 October 2016 and 22 December 2016, Crotty participated in or contributed to the commission of the murder while aware of the existence of a criminal organisation, contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act. The trial, scheduled to last up to five weeks, will commence at the Special Criminal Court on Wednesday. Crotty's co‑accused, Declan Brady, 57, a senior Kinahan cartel member, pleaded guilty to the same charge and will also appear on Wednesday for sentencing. Brady was previously sentenced to 11.5 years in prison, with the final year suspended, for firearms offences and money‑laundering.
In a High Court case in Co. Tipperary, Mr. Joshua Wilson, owner of Marlfield House, seeks an injunction to remove trespassers from his historic Palladian mansion. Wilson argues the property is a fire‑safety hazard and must be vacated for renovation. He has presented a consultant's report claiming the building is unsafe, but the report's credibility is challenged by defendants Stephen Ghizdavu and Patrick Fogarty, who claim valid tenancy agreements. Mr. Ghizdavu's barrister, John Madden, disputes the safety allegations, and a sworn statement suggests the report's author may be the same person previously convicted for misrepresenting himself as an architect and building surveyor. Judge Brian Cregan adjourned the matter to later this month, ordering a timetable for document exchange and considering involving Tipperary County Council for a new fire‑safety inspection. Wilson, who bought the house in October 2023, maintains that no valid tenancy could exist under the 2007 mortgage clause and has never accepted rent from the occupants.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 12 January 2024, Declan 'Mr Nobody' Brady, aged 56, pleaded guilty to a single charge of aiding the Kinahan cartel in the murder of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, an innocent man shot six times on 22 December 2016. Brady admitted that between 20 October and 22 December 2016 he participated in or facilitated the commission of the murder while aware of the cartel's existence. He will appear again next Wednesday for a sentencing hearing. Brady's co‑accused, Michael Crotty, 40, was due to trial but the case was adjourned to Monday morning to allow him to consult his lawyers. Brady has previously pleaded guilty in 2019 to supervising a firearms arsenal and in 2021 to laundering over €400,000 in crime cash, receiving 11.5 years with the final year suspended. The court noted that Kirwan's murder was "disturbing" as it appeared to be a targeted killing with no criminal motive.
Barry Cull, a former site manager at BHA Construction Ltd, claims that the company unlawfully docked €620 from his final pay for a laptop damaged by spilled tea and that he was not paid €750 for his last three days of work. He says the payroll administrator, Marie Murphy, never told him he would have to pay for the replacement and that no written agreement existed. Murphy, representing the company, maintains that Cull admitted the damage and agreed to the deduction, and that the laptop was company property. She also says the time‑keeping system recorded only two of Cull's three days, and that the company policy required employees to contact head office if clock‑in failed. The tribunal heard cross‑examination from both parties and will issue a decision in writing. The hearing was held at the Workplace Relations Commission.
In a Circuit Court trial, Gerard O'Brien, a former secondary school teacher and then Circuit Court judge, was found guilty of one count of attempted rape and eight counts of sexual assault against six male complainants, some of whom were his students. The alleged offences took place between March 1991 and November 1997 in Leinster, when O'Brien was in his 30s and the complainants were aged 17 to 24. Evidence included accounts of O'Brien skipping classes to drink with students, inviting them to his home, and engaging in non‑consensual sexual acts while they were asleep or under the influence of alcohol. The jury deliberated for seven hours and thirty‑four minutes before delivering the verdicts. O'Brien, who has a rare birth defect, was remanded on continuing bail until sentencing on 4 March 2023. The judge thanked the jurors and noted O'Brien would be automatically added to the sex offenders register. Gerard O'Brien pleaded not guilty.
Joshua Wilson, owner of Marlfield House near Clonmel, sued in the High Court to stop about ten alleged trespassers from occupying the historic Palladian house and its 33 acres. Wilson says the defendants, who claim valid tenancies, are blocking renovation work and causing damage by littering, blocking drains and damaging the roof. He purchased the property in October after receivership and has been unable to access parts of the house for repairs, including a collapsed ceiling that he says poses a danger. Wilson alleges the house was divided into 14 units and eight chalets were built without planning permission, and that no valid tenancy agreements exist under the 2007 mortgage clause. The court, hearing the case on Tuesday, granted Wilson permission to serve short‑notice injunction papers and adjourned the matter to January, allowing an earlier return if needed.
In a complaint under the Equal Status Act 2000, 64‑year‑old Elube Kapengule alleged that Tipperary County Council staff refused her emergency accommodation because of her race. She said she was laughed at, ridiculed and told to "go back to Malawi" when she sought housing on 9 December 2022. The council denied any racial discrimination, claiming she was ineligible for social housing due to less than five years of reckonable residency and that no staff laughed at her. Kapengule was directed to short‑term emergency accommodation under the Cold Weather Initiative and later to a Garda station where her immigration status was checked. She eventually left the council's office, slept outside, and sought help from the charity Doras Luimní. The Workplace Relations Commission found no evidence that her race was a factor and rejected her complaint.