Daragh Coyne, a defendant from Mullingar, Co Westmeath, appeared before the High Court on Wednesday following his arrest by gardai. He is alleged to be in contempt of court orders obtained by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which prohibit him from interfering with Milltownpass Bog, a designated National Heritage Area. The NPWS claims Coyne failed to comply with an April injunction against unauthorised works and a subsequent order to remove a gate he erected on an old turf cutter's track. Sworn statements from two Park Rangers allege that turf was illegally cut and waste, including scrap metal, fuel, and invasive cherry laurel, was dumped on the site, damaging the NHA. They also noted turf-cutting equipment was stored nearby, despite Coyne denying its use. Coyne, who is unrepresented, told the court he did nothing wrong and objected to being addressed as "Mr Coyne," requesting to be called "Daragh." Justice Anthony Barr rejected this request for the hearing. Coyne claimed he had sent documents outlining his case to the court, but the judge stated there was no record of receipt. James O'Donnell BL, representing the NPWS, stated his client did not wish to see anyone jailed but had no alternative due to Coyne's failure to engage. In these circumstances, the judge adjourned the matter to Thursday's sitting, allowing Coyne to obtain copies of the documents setting out his position. The judge directed gardai to return Coyne to his home and bring him back to court, warning that the contempt hearing would proceed in his absence if he failed to return.
A man named Mr Daragh Coyne is alleged to have breached a court order prohibiting interference with lands designated as a National Heritage Area (NHA) in Milltownpass Bog, Co. Westmeath. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) claims that Mr Coyne has carried out activities that damaged the NHA, including dumping waste material such as scrap metal, fuel, and gardening waste, and illegally cutting turf. The NPWS also alleges that he failed to remove a gate he erected on an old turf‑cutters track on Minister‑owned land. Mr Coyne denies any wrongdoing. The High Court, hearing the case before Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty, directed that he be attached and brought before the court by Gardaí next week to answer the contempt claim. If found in contempt, he faces the prospect of imprisonment.
Several pub owners have brought test actions against FBD Insurance, arguing that their policies cover losses from Covid‑19 closures. They claim the policy contains a clause indemnifying them if premises are closed by order due to outbreaks of contagious diseases within 25 miles. FBD disputes this, stating a pandemic does not fall within the clause and that closures were due to national measures, not local outbreaks. The four cases involve Dublin bars Aberken (Sinnotts Bar), Hyper Trust Ltd (The Leopardstown Inn), Inn on Hibernian Way Ltd (Lemon & Duke), and Leinster Overview Concepts Ltd (Sean's Bar). The owners seek orders directing FBD to indemnify them for weekly losses ranging from €30,000 to €56,000, and declarations that they are entitled to indemnity under the policy. Mr Justice Barniville admitted all four cases to the fast‑track Commercial Court, setting a hearing in early October for three actions and adjourned the Lemon & Duke case for mediation.
The High Court heard that Mr Daragh Coyne of Coralstown, Mullingar, has allegedly dumped waste material, including scrap metal, fuel, and large plastic oil tanks, and illegally cut turf on Milltownpass Bog in Co. Westmeath, a National Heritage Area (NHA). The National Parks and Wildlife Service, represented by the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, brought proceedings after Park Rangers found a dozen subsoil mounds containing invasive cherry laurel, scrap metal and oil tanks. The rangers said the dumping damaged the NHA by reducing habitat for protected birds and pollinators. They also expressed concern that turf would be extracted, noting that Mr Coyne had engaged a contractor to cut turf on the NHA in 2019 and might do so again in 2020. Mr Coyne denies wrongdoing.
Damien Ionut, 34, was sentenced to three years in prison for a series of ATM attacks across eight European cities, including Dublin, Louth, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath, Westmeath, and Dublin. He and a group used a "transaction reversal fraud" technique, first withdrawing a small amount with a legitimate chip‑and‑pin card, then inserting a clip into the cash drawer to block the release of a larger withdrawal. They swapped the card for a dummy, causing the machine to think the customer had walked away, and then used a chisel to break into the drawer and take the cash. The attacks caused about €12,881 in damage and resulted in €5,980 in stolen cash. Ionut had 30 prior convictions for similar offences and was identified on CCTV footage. The court back‑dated the sentence to November 5, 2019. The case highlighted the vulnerability of ATMs to this type of fraud.
Anthony Sweeney, 37, of St Marks Crescent, Clondalkin, was sentenced by Judge Melanie Greally at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment for multiple robberies, including two at McDonald's Liffey Valley on 5 August 2019 and 5 September 2019, a robbery of a nail salon on Collinstown Road, and a robbery of a pedestrian on the Liffey Valley footbridge on 27 May 2019. He pleaded guilty to all charges. The court noted his 35 prior convictions, his drug addiction, and his attempts to address it while in custody, though the school he attended closed due to coronavirus. The sentence was aggravated by the use of a knife, placing it near a victim's throat, and by the fact that the last offence was committed while he was on bail. Two years of the term were suspended on strict conditions, including probation supervision for six months before release and 12 months after release.
Interlink Ireland Ltd, trading as DPD, secured temporary High Court injunctions against two agents, Mr Joe Corcoran and Mr Bernard O'Brien, who sought to terminate their agreements amid the Covid‑19 emergency. The agents claimed they could no longer fulfil their duties, but Interlink argued no evidence was provided that the pandemic had materially affected their businesses. The agency agreements require six months' notice for termination, and Interlink has seen a surge in demand for essential deliveries during the pandemic. The court granted interim injunctions preventing the agents from ending the agreements and requiring them to continue operating as agreed. Interlink contended the agents were attempting to exploit the health crisis for commercial advantage, and the judge found the injunctions justified based on the evidence presented. The case will be revisited in a subsequent court session.
In March 2020 a Disclosures Tribunal heard that Garda whistleblower Nicholas Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in 2014, alleged that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit had an improper relationship with an alleged heroin dealer. Keogh claimed he was bullied by Garda management after his disclosure. In 2017, Chief Superintendent John Scanlan of the Laois-Offaly District gave an interview praising Commissioner Noirín O'Sullivan. Keogh allegedly called 999 and threatened to "break Scanlan's jaw" after the interview. Scanlan said he was concerned but not angry, and that he had handled Keogh professionally. He also stated that he had received Keogh's complaint file in March 2017, had completed it by April, and had no role in its subsequent investigation, which began in November. The tribunal examined whether Keogh was targeted, harassed, undermined or bullied after his disclosure. The hearing was chaired by Judge Sean Ryan. The tribunal has not yet reached a conclusion.
The Disclosures Tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is investigating whether whistleblower Garda Nicholas Keogh was targeted after making a protected disclosure in 2014. The hearing, now in its tenth week, examined allegations that Garda A, a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, colluded with an alleged heroin dealer, identified as Ms B. Evidence presented included over 1,500 phone and text contacts between the two from May to August 2010. Garda A claimed he was cultivating Ms B as a tout. Chief Superintendent Margaret Nugent of Internal Affairs, who acted as protected disclosures manager, testified that she received a disciplinary report in February 2019 regarding these claims. She noted that while there was cause for concern over the excessive contact, there was insufficient corroborative evidence to definitively prove Garda A tipped off Ms B to dispose of her phone in June 2009. Consequently, Chief Supt Nugent recommended to Assistant Commissioner David Sheahan that a Board of Inquiry was not warranted due to a lack of substantiation for the majority of allegations, including claims of planting drugs. She recommended two warnings for minor matters. Garda A, who had been suspended since October 2015, was restored to duty on April 30, 2019, though he remains suspended in relation to other matters. The tribunal is adjourned to Monday, 2 March, 2020.
The Disclosures Tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, heard evidence regarding the treatment of whistleblower Garda Nicholas Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in 2014. Assistant Commissioner Finbarr O'Brien testified that an eight-month delay in launching an investigation into Keogh's bullying claim was "unfair" to all parties. Keogh alleged that a senior Athlone drugs unit member was in an improper relationship with an alleged heroin dealer. His subsequent complaint, filed in March 2017 against Supt Pat Murray, Chief Supt Lorraine Wheatley, and Chief Supt Mark Curran, was not investigated until November 2017. The investigation concluded in December 2018, upholding no complaint of bullying. O'Brien stated he reviewed the file in early 2019 and upheld the findings, noting the delay was caused by legal complexities and witness issues. While Keogh's counsel argued the review was a "rubber-stamp," O'Brien rejected this, asserting the investigation was thorough and impartial. O'Brien acknowledged the delay was outside policy timeframes but maintained it did not disadvantage the evidence. Chief Supt Wheatley had previously expressed concern over the delay contravening policy ethos. Keogh's appeal of the review was rejected by Deputy Commissioner John Twomey in July 2019. The tribunal continues to investigate whether Keogh was targeted or bullied following his disclosure.
The Disclosures Tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, heard evidence in February 2020 concerning whistleblower Garda Nicholas Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in May 2014 about a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, Garda A, allegedly in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B. Keogh claimed he was targeted, harassed, undermined or bullied after his disclosure. The tribunal examined the mis-recording of Keogh's sickness absences as 'flu/viral' and the resulting pay cut to a 'temporarily reduced remuneration' level in late 2015, despite his GP certifying work‑related stress. Human Resources Chief Superintendent Tony McLoughlin, who managed protected disclosures, testified that Keogh had admitted to alcohol dependence due to work‑related stress and that his pay was restored and back‑dated in October 2016 after the absences were correctly recorded. McLoughlin also noted Keogh's concerns about management's handling of the investigation and his belief that the Garda Commissioner failed to protect him.
The Disclosures Tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is in its tenth week of hearing evidence regarding whistleblower Garda Nicholas Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in 2014 alleging he was targeted. The proceedings examine claims that a senior Athlone drugs unit member, identified as Garda A, colluded with a heroin dealer, identified as Ms B. Assistant Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon, who conducted a disciplinary investigation assigned in 2017, testified that Garda A denied maintaining an improper relationship or tipping off Ms B. However, an analysis of 15,213 call records revealed 1,672 contacts between Garda A and Ms B between May and August 2010. Garda A stated he was trying to cultivate Ms B as a tout and denied advising her to discard phones. Asst Comm McMahon described the contact volume as inordinate and excessive, noting the calls were made to a phone owned by Ms B's 11-year-old daughter. Although Ms B initially confirmed Keogh's claims of collusion in November 2017, she later withdrew her statement. Asst Comm McMahon recommended a board of enquiry, asserting the investigation was thorough rather than a delay tactic used to target Keogh. She also recommended a peer review of her own investigation for openness, following a complaint by her husband regarding threatening calls. The matter remains at the pretrial stage with no final determination reached.
During a 2020 hearing, the Disclosures Tribunal examined evidence that a senior Garda from the Athlone drugs unit, referred to as Garda A, had made 1,600 phone contacts with an alleged heroin dealer, Ms B, during a 2009 operation. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is investigating whether Garda Nicholas Keogh, who disclosed misconduct in 2014, was targeted or harassed after his protected disclosure on 8 May 2014. Detective Inspector Michael Coppinger testified that the 1,600 contacts were recovered from Garda A's phone, which had been seized in April 2015, and that the data had been downloaded by telecoms before any alleged wiping. In October 2015, investigators searched Ms B's Athlone address and recovered up to 20 devices, including SIM cards, laptops and phones, but the evidence did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution.
Adil Muhammad, 32, of Ankers Court, The Bower, Athlone, Westmeath, was ordered by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to complete 240 hours of community service instead of a four‑year prison term for his role in a human‑trafficking operation. He pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of false passports on 15 January 2018, having supplied fake Indian passports to six Afghan nationals who entered the State as Afghan Sikhs. Muhammad, originally from Pakistan, claimed he had no payment for his involvement and that he was persuaded by a family friend. Judge Martin Nolan noted the case was troubling and that Muhammad had become involved after a friend's request, but found no evidence of profit. The judge warned that failure to carry out the community service would result in a four‑year prison sentence. The six individuals were linked to a criminal group that trafficked them from Afghanistan to Europe, with the final leg of the journey to Ireland.
In 2014, Garda Nicholas Keogh made a protected disclosure alleging that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, Garda A, had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, and that Garda A had tipped her off on drug searches. Keogh also claimed that in 2009 Gardaí had planted half a kilo of heroin worth €75,000 on two suspects and that a file had been prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He further alleged evidence destruction, theft of an investigation file, non‑compliance with a court order, exclusion of a known heroin dealer from an investigation, incorrect evidence storage and improper motives for a drug operation. The DPP, after reviewing the investigation, concluded that the evidence against Garda A was circumstantial and did not reach the threshold for criminal prosecution. The Disclosures Tribunal is hearing evidence on whether Keogh was targeted or harassed after his disclosure. The tribunal is chaired by Judge Sean Ryan.
In a hearing before the Disclosures Tribunal, retired District Court Judge Patrick McMahon, who served as the Confidential Recipient for Garda whistleblower Nicholas Keogh, recounted being surprised to learn that Keogh's name and the details of his protected disclosure were read aloud in the Dáil on the same day he received the information. McMahon explained that he had met Keogh on 8 May 2014 in a car in Kinnegad, where Keogh provided an affidavit dated 7 May 2014 and later a DVD containing an interview with an unnamed individual. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is examining whether Keogh was targeted or harassed after his disclosure. McMahon noted that the announcement in the Dáil caused him distress, as he had arranged a confidential meeting with Keogh. The tribunal is also reviewing the appointment of Assistant Commissioner Dónall Ó Cualáin to investigate the matter, a decision that Keogh expressed anxiety about.
Anthony Sweeney, 37, pleaded guilty to multiple robberies, including two at a McDonald's in Clondalkin, while on High Court bail. He first robbed the McDonald's on 5 August 2019, wearing a wig and sunglasses, and was chased by Gardaí; the wig, glasses and €450 were recovered. A month later he returned to the same branch, threatening staff with an iron bar and was identified on CCTV and arrested. Earlier that year he had robbed a beauty salon and a pedestrian on a footbridge, and had a history of 25 convictions for firearms, robbery and possession of an article with intent to cause injury. Gardaí and the prosecution agreed he was in the throes of a drug addiction and highly intoxicated at the time of the offences. Judge Melanie Greally ordered a probation report and adjourned sentencing to 21 April, when a full plea in mitigation will be presented by his legal team.
Alan Craughwell (35) of Athlone, Co Westmeath, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm following a collision with a nurse on December 24, 2017 at Taghmaconnell, Co Roscommon. He had been travelling with more than twice the legal alcohol limit and narrowly missed six oncoming vehicles before striking the victim's car. The Circuit Court imposed a fully suspended two-and-a-half year sentence in May 2019. The Court of Appeal found this sentence unduly lenient and re-sentenced Craughwell to two-and-a-half years imprisonment with the final 15 months suspended. Mr Justice George Birmingham described the driving as "sustained, rank bad driving" rather than isolated poor judgement. The victim, a nurse, sustained serious injuries including fractured ankles and experienced significant disruption to her working life and family activities. Craughwell's ten-year driving ban remained in effect, and he was required to enter a good behaviour bond for the suspended portion of his sentence. Alan Craughwell had the case dismissed.
A tribunal has heard that Chief Superintendent Lorraine Wheatley expressed being 'astounded, disappointed and incredulous' upon learning of a bullying complaint made against her by Garda whistleblower Nicholas Keogh. The Disclosures Tribunal is currently in its eighth week of hearing evidence regarding the treatment of Gda Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in 2014. Gda Keogh alleges that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with an alleged heroin dealer, identified as Ms B. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is investigating whether Gda Keogh was targeted, harassed, undermined, or bullied after making his protected disclosure on 8 May 2014. Chief Supt Wheatley, who was over Westmeath Garda Division in September 2015, was involved in a disciplinary hearing where Gda Keogh admitted a 'minor breach' of neglect of duty. Gda Keogh was fined €300 for going AWOL after a four-day drinking period in July 2015. He appealed the fine, which was upheld by Chief Supt Wheatley. Gda Keogh later raised concerns about the fairness of the review process, which were disputed by Supt Alan Murray and Chief Supt Wheatley. In November 2017, Chief Supt Wheatley was made aware of a bullying and harassment complaint made by Gda Keogh. The complaint was later investigated by An Garda Síochána and Chief Supt Wheatley was cleared. Earlier, the tribunal heard that Gda Keogh received a lesser fine for going AWOL due to work-related stress and heavy drinking. Supt Murray, who disciplined Gda Keogh, reduced the fine due to mitigating circumstances and stated that Gda Keogh was respectful and decent to deal with, but emphasized the importance of gardaí showing up for work. Gda Keogh later sought a review of the decision from Chief Supt Wheatley, who affirmed the penalty.
A senior Garda officer has told the Disclosures Tribunal that a whistleblower Garda was confined to indoor duties in 2015 due to concerns about his condition potentially damaging the reputation of An Garda Síochána. Superintendent Aidan Minnock stated that the decision was made by Supt Patrick Murray and that Gda Keogh was struggling with alcohol and work-related stress at the time. Gda Keogh denies that his hands were shaking when he was informed of the decision. The tribunal is investigating whether Gda Keogh was targeted, harassed, or bullied after making a protected disclosure in 2014. Superintendent Noreen McBrien informed the tribunal that an issue with Gda Keogh's car tax had been known since October 2014, leading to the withholding of subsistence and travel payments until the matter was resolved. One of the travel expenses claims made by Gda Keogh was for a meeting with then-TD Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, who would later name Gda Keogh as a whistleblower in the Dáil in May 2014. The expense claims were eventually paid in April 2015 after the car tax issue was resolved. Gda Keogh had claimed that the delays in his expenses and the car tax issue had amounted to targeting him for being a whistleblower, which the witness denied.
In a hearing before the Disclosures Tribunal, Judge Sean Ryan examined whether Garda Nicholas Keogh was targeted after making a protected disclosure in 2014. Keogh alleged that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, had an improper relationship with an alleged heroin dealer, Ms B. In March 2015, Sergeant Yvonne Martin was appointed to a welfare support role for Keogh, but he never accepted the offer. Keogh claimed the appointment was a form of micro‑management aimed at undermining him because of his whistleblowing. Martin testified that she had not contacted Keogh and that the appointment was intended as extra support during a stressful period. The tribunal found no evidence that Keogh's criticism of Martin was linked to the Maurice McCabe tribunal, and no basis existed to hold that view. Keogh maintained that the appointment was part of a broader effort to undermine him as a whistleblower.
Niall Edwards, 37, of Kinnegad, pleaded guilty to exposing his genitals in two Dublin shopping centres in 2017 and 2018 and to possessing 1,665 images of child pornography. The images included 1,417 of children in sexual activity and 248 of children with exposed privates. Gardaí seized his phone and found no evidence of payment or sharing. Edwards lost his job as a chef when the offences were discovered. He expressed shame and remorse in a psychological report. Judge Martin Nolan, citing the absence of aggravating factors such as prior convictions or distribution, imposed a non‑custodial sentence. He sentenced Edwards to two and a half years, suspended in full for that period, subject to strict conditions including 18 months of probation supervision. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
In a tribunal hearing on 6 December 2019, Chief Superintendent Patrick Murray denied allegations that he had undermined a whistleblower's claim. The whistleblower, Garda Nicholas Keogh, had reported in May 2014 that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B. Keogh's claim was that Ms B had been seen driving around his home in County Offaly on 28 October 2015. Murray described the observation as potentially lacking credibility, noting that Keogh had not reported the incident to local Garda Station and had only entered it into the Pulse system. Ms B denied being in the area that day, stating her car was in a garage in Athlone. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Seán Ryan, will reconvene on 20 January 2020 to continue its investigation into whether Keogh was targeted or harassed after his disclosure. The hearing concluded with Murray's evidence presented to the tribunal.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Chief Superintendent Patrick Murray denied that assigning Garda Nicholas Keogh to the public desk was intended to humiliate or target him after Keogh's protected disclosure in 2014. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, examined whether Keogh was harassed or undermined following his disclosure of an alleged improper relationship between a senior Athlone drugs unit officer (Garda A) and a suspected heroin dealer (Ms B). Keogh alleged that his work was micro‑managed and that the public desk was the most stressful role, especially given his work‑related stress. He left on sick leave in December 2015. Murray argued the desk was not difficult and that Keogh had no protest. Evidence from Sergeant Andrew Haran described the public desk as the busiest, "booby prize" role, but Murray maintained the assignment was not intended to target Keogh.
In December 2019, a Garda chief superintendent denied allegations that he targeted and humiliated a whistleblower, Garda Nicholas Keogh, after Keogh made a protected disclosure in May 2014. The disclosure alleged that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with an alleged heroin dealer, Ms B. Keogh has complained of targeting and harassment by Chief Superintendent Patrick Murray, claiming his work was micro‑managed by three sergeants under Murray's direction. Murray denies these claims, stating he had no issue with Keogh and that any concerns about Keogh's alcohol problem were based on medical facts and welfare support. Murray also denies suggesting a transfer for Keogh and says any assignment of a sergeant to review Keogh's records was to ensure case integrity, not humiliation. The Disclosures Tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is investigating the matter.
In a 2019 incident at Rutland Grove, Crumlin, two brothers, Peter Collins (26) and Jason Collins (18), attacked a 60‑year‑old taxi driver, Mark Henshaw, and attempted to hijack his vehicle. Peter strangled Henshaw with a phone charger cable, while Jason punched the driver and searched his pockets. The pair failed to start the car and stole a €50 note and an iPhone. Henshaw suffered a small brain bleed, a nasal bone fracture and a swollen right eye. Both pleaded guilty to robbery, assault causing harm and unlawful seizure of a car. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Peter to four and a half years' imprisonment and Jason to three and a half years, suspending the final 12 months of Jason's term on strict conditions. The court noted the attempt was "a pretty incompetent effort" and the attack "reprehensible.".
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Chief Superintendent Patrick Murray denied taking a sceptical or hostile approach toward Garda Nicholas Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in 2014. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, examined whether Keogh was targeted, harassed, undermined, or bullied after his disclosure on May 8 2014. Murray, who became superintendent at Athlone Garda Station in March 2015, claimed he had no prior knowledge of station problems and had never met Keogh before their first meeting on March 26 2015. He stated he had no opinion about Keogh and that he had not formed any view regarding Keogh's conduct. Murray explained that he had been aware of Keogh's alcohol problem and work‑related stress, but he said he had not judged Keogh's work or welfare. He also noted that he had introduced new procedures in the district and had referred Keogh to a chief medical officer and a welfare sergeant.
The Disclosures Tribunal heard that interviews into Garda Nicholas Keogh's protected disclosure were held at Athlone Garda Station, where Keogh and the accused senior Garda, identified as Garda A, were both working. Judge Sean Ryan chaired the hearing. Keogh had made a protected disclosure on 8 May 2014, alleging that Garda A was in an improper relationship with an alleged heroin dealer, Ms B. The tribunal investigated whether Keogh was targeted, harassed, undermined or bullied after the disclosure. Sergeant Andrew Haran, who led the investigations team, described the decision to conduct the interviews at the station as "an appalling idea" and said it caused discomfort and risk to Keogh's mental and physical health. Haran noted that Keogh's alcohol problems were known but that Keogh was not drunk at work. The tribunal considered the impact of the interview location on Keogh's well‑being and the overall conduct of the investigation.
A judge in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Pakistani man Adil Muhammad, aged 32, to a suspended four‑year custodial term and a community service order for his role in a human‑trafficking scheme. Muhammad admitted to possessing six false Indian passports used to bring six Afghan Sikh family members into Ireland. The passports were obtained through false documentation, and the individuals had been trafficked from Afghanistan to Europe, with the final leg to Ireland. Gardaí traced the movement of the six people, who entered on flights from Malaga and later attempted to board flights to the UK. Muhammad pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of false passports dated 15 January 2018. The judge noted no evidence of profit and cited Muhammad's loyalty to a family friend as his motivation. The case was adjourned to 10 February for Probation Service assessment.
In a hearing before the Disclosures Tribunal, Superintendent Noreen McBrien testified that she was concerned for the welfare of Garda Nicholas Keogh after he made a protected disclosure in 2014. McBrien, who had been the District Officer at Athlone Garda Station in 2014, recalled that Keogh had been treated for alcoholism but that this had not affected his work. She said she had a good relationship with Keogh and that she was surprised when she learned he was a whistleblower. McBrien explained that she had no prior experience with protected disclosures and that she had tried to support Keogh's welfare. She also noted that Keogh had raised concerns about whether a senior officer, identified as Garda A, should have access to a weapon during an investigation. The tribunal is still hearing evidence on whether Keogh was targeted or harassed after his disclosure.
In a hearing before the Disclosures Tribunal, a civilian witness, Ms. O'Neill, testified that Gardaí approached her after she had made allegations of police collusion involving Garda Nicholas Keogh, a whistleblower who had disclosed alleged misconduct in 2014. Ms. O'Neill, who lived on the same Athlone estate as the alleged heroin dealer Ms. B, claimed that she was told by Garda Keogh to name names and that she had been advised to include Ms. B in her statement. Both Keogh and O'Neill denied that Keogh had instructed her to do so. O'Neill also recounted that two Gardaí, Tom Higgins and Detective Sergeant Eamon Curley, visited her estate two days after her station visit, asking about Keogh and whether she feared giving a statement. She said they were not interested in the dispute itself but only in Keogh.
Chief Superintendent Mark Curran, a senior Garda, gave evidence at the Disclosures Tribunal on 15 November 2019, stating he was "very upset" by a bullying claim made by whistleblower Garda Nicholas Keogh. Curran described Keogh's allegation that he had removed evidence DVDs from an Athlone Garda Station store as "daft and without basis", insisting no such removal occurred. He also denied any wrongdoing in handling a source that Keogh had refused to hand over, arguing that source management is a collective responsibility of An Garda Síochána and requires trained handlers. Curran rejected all targeting allegations, asserting he had acted within his duties and was not negligent. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, had heard from Keogh and was investigating whether Keogh was targeted after his protected disclosure of alleged Garda heroin‑collusion on 8 May 2014. Curran's evidence concluded on 15 November, with the tribunal resuming on 26 November.
In a 2019 hearing before the Disclosures Tribunal, Chief Superintendent Mark Curran denied that Garda whistleblower Nicholas Keogh became the focus of investigations simply because he made a protected disclosure. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, examined whether Keogh was targeted, harassed or bullied after he alleged Garda collusion in the drugs trade on 8 May 2014. Curran explained that the investigation began with a report written by Garda Aidan Lyons, which was later read by Curran. The report described an alleged interaction between Keogh and a man who claimed Keogh had encouraged complaints against Gardaí. Curran stated that the inquiry was directed at the named man and Keogh, not at other Gardaí, and that Keogh had denied any wrongdoing. He maintained that the focus on Keogh was a result of the allegations made in the report, not of Keogh's whistleblowing.
A garda whistleblower has concluded three weeks of testimony before an ongoing tribunal, maintaining that a former assistant garda commissioner orchestrated a "deliberate and unmitigated" cover-up when investigating his allegations of garda collusion with a heroin dealer. Garda Nicholas Keogh alleged that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit engaged in an improper relationship with a heroin supplier. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is examining whether Gda Keogh faced targeting, harassment, or bullying following his protected disclosure in May 2014. Gda Keogh submitted a complaint to the Justice Minister in 2016, contending that the subsequent investigation was fundamentally flawed. He referenced the Morris Tribunal's exposure of garda misconduct in Donegal during the 1990s as a parallel case. The tribunal continues hearing evidence, with three Athlone gardaí due to testify.
Garda Nicholas Keogh, a whistleblower, testified at the Disclosures Tribunal that his final days on duty were "paranoid and unbearable" after he made a protected disclosure on 8 May 2014. He alleged that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is examining whether Keogh was targeted, harassed, undermined or bullied following his disclosure. Keogh also discussed his drinking problem, noting it had been an issue before the disclosure but had become problematic only once at work. He described feeling like a "sitting duck" for Garda management, being paranoid about documents and phone tapping, and said the last days of his service were difficult, with the 21 December 2015 being his final day on duty. Keogh refused to name his informant, citing concerns about safety.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh testified that he smuggled printed Pulse files out of an Athlone station in his baton pocket and gave them to politicians. Keogh claims the files were re‑classified crimes he considered "fiddling" and that he hid copies in the station and in his baton to avoid Garda HQ monitoring. He alleges that after his protected disclosure on 8 May 2014, he was targeted, harassed and bullied by Superintendent Patrick Murray. Keogh denies intent to "bring down" Murray and says he was merely reporting bullying. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is examining whether Keogh was indeed targeted following his disclosure. The case involves allegations of improper relationships between a senior drug‑unit officer and a heroin dealer, and the alleged suppression of Keogh's complaints by Garda management.
At the Central Criminal Court, a trial heard that a woman alleging rape initially described three men as being involved in the assault. The complainant told the court she attended a party at a flat in a County Leitrim town in 2017 where she consumed alcohol. She stated she lost consciousness and awoke to find the first accused assaulting her. She reported hearing male voices and subsequently blacked out again, regaining consciousness as the second accused was assaulting her. Two Leitrim men have pleaded not guilty to rape charges. The second accused also denies oral rape. During cross-examination, the defence put to the complainant that she had previously given an account involving three assailants. The complainant confirmed this, noting she had heard voices in the room. A nurse from the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Mullingar confirmed the complainant initially reported three men were involved. The nurse stated she observed genital injuries consistent with non-consensual activity, though acknowledged such injuries could also occur during consensual contact.
In November 2019, Garda Nicholas Keogh appeared before the Disclosures Tribunal to deny allegations that he had orchestrated a "pincer movement" to undermine the career of Superintendent Patrick Murray. Keogh, who had made a protected disclosure in May 2014 about alleged improper conduct by a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, claimed he had simply informed Members of Parliament about the matter. He said he had passed information on a suspected car‑tax issue to TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace, but denied any intent to target Murray. The tribunal heard that Keogh had lodged a formal bullying complaint against Murray in March 2017 and that he had written to the Policing Authority and to Minister Frances Fitzgerald in 2017, urging that the investigation be concluded before any promotion. Senior Counsel for An Garda Síochána, Shane Murphy, accused Keogh of "orchestrating a pincer movement" and of targeting Murray without basis.
Garda Nicholas Keogh, a whistleblower, testified before the Disclosures Tribunal that he had concerns about whether his complaints were investigated in good faith. He alleged that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. Keogh claimed that Ms B's admission in March 2018 was "sat on for five months" before being passed to Detective Inspector Coppinger, and that the matter was not acted on immediately. He also contested that Assistant Commissioner Ann Marie McMahon's disciplinary investigation, which led to a recommendation for a board of inquiry, was not a criminal investigation and that it should not have involved arrests. Keogh's testimony highlighted his belief that the investigation was part of a conspiracy to supply heroin and that the evidence was mishandled.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing at Dublin Castle, Garda whistleblower Nicholas Keogh testified that his general practitioner's certificates diagnosing work‑related stress were withheld from the Garda Chief Medical Officer, leading to his absences being recorded as flu and resulting in reduced pay. Keogh claimed the Garda management deliberately mis‑recorded his sickness and that his complaints about the investigation into alleged collusion were sabotaged. He alleged that a senior officer, Garda A, had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, and that the investigation led by former Assistant Commissioner Dónall Ó Cualáin failed to suspend any suspect. Keogh maintained that the investigation was delayed, evidence was mishandled, and that the Garda Superintendent Patrick Murray neither recorded nor reported his stress to the CMO. The tribunal heard Keogh's allegations and the Garda counsel's rebuttals, with no evidence presented to support the claims of sabotage.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh claims he was denied commendations by Garda management after making a protected disclosure on 8 May 2014. He alleges that a senior officer, identified as Garda A, had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned about €2,500 a week. Keogh says he was the investigating officer in the 2015 stabbing of a 77‑year‑old taxi‑driver and the rescue of a woman from the River Shannon, yet was removed from the Pulse unit and excluded from commendations. He disputes the claim that he had no material role in the investigation, citing his involvement in evidence collection. Keogh also notes he received an award from Irish Water Safety in 2016 but no Garda commendation, and he has pursued a personal injury claim for bullying. The tribunal is examining whether Keogh was targeted after his disclosure. Ms B pleaded guilty.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh admitted giving documents to TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace alleging that crime figures in his district were being "fiddled" downward, which he described as Garda corruption. Keogh, who is in the second week of the tribunal, claims a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. He also cites a 2015 robbery case that was reclassified by Superintendent Patrick Murray after the complainant withdrew a statement, arguing this reclassification was an example of fiddling. Keogh says he spoke to Daly and Wallace about the massaging of figures, and that he printed the documents and presented them to the TDs. The tribunal heard that Daly had referenced the alleged fiddling in a Dáil speech, claiming evidence of at least eight cases where crimes were reclassified as less serious.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh claims a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, referred to as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. Keogh alleges that after making a protected disclosure on 8 May 2014, he was targeted, harassed, or bullied by Garda management. He reports that he had periods of absenteeism in July 2015 due to drinking and stress, and that his superintendent, Patrick Murray, addressed his absences and alcohol issues. Keogh says he was marked as having flu when he was actually suffering from work‑related stress and alcohol abuse, and that the Chief Medical Officer was kept in the dark about his stress. He also claims that his medical certificates were withheld and that he was told he was "under no stress" despite his own statements to the contrary.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh denies alleging a cash theft by three Gardaí and claims Garda management handled the investigation in a "sinister" manner. Keogh, who made a protected disclosure on 8 May 2014, says he never claimed that €800 was stolen by three guards and spent on alcohol and gambling. He alleges that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned about €2,500 a week. Keogh states that Garda management investigated the claim, but no evidence was found and the matter was dropped. He accuses the investigation of being targeted, harassed and bullied, and describes the process as unusual and lacking proper follow‑up. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is hearing Keogh's testimony and the cross‑examination by counsel for An Garda Síochána. The case remains at the tribunal stage, with no verdict or outcome reported.
During the Disclosures Tribunal, Garda Nicholas Keogh testified that he had planned to "take down" Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan and launch an "all‑out attack" on Garda management. He alleged that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. Keogh claimed that after making a protected disclosure in 2014, he was subjected to a cover‑up and pressure from Garda management. He described meetings with TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace, noting Daly's reassurance that they would eventually bring the matter to light. Keogh also recounted interactions with Detective Superintendent Declan Mulcahy and welfare officer Mick Quinn, highlighting concerns about his drinking and health. Throughout the hearing, Keogh maintained that his intent was to target a specific group within the Gardaí, not all officers, and that his statements were made in a state of both determination and intoxication.
In a hearing at Dublin Castle, Garda medical officer Gda Nicholas Keogh testified that a senior Garda, referred to as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned about €2,500 a week. Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in May 2014, claimed he was harassed and bullied after the disclosure. He admitted to an alcohol dependency since 2012, which led to periods of sickness and unfitness for duty. Keogh used alcohol and Xanax together, despite warnings that the drugs should not be combined. The Chief Medical Officer recommended Keogh be stood down on 18 December 2015, citing his unfitness for work. Keogh disputed the recommendation, stating he had not been notified of his unfitness and that he had been working on 21 December 2015. The tribunal is examining how Keogh was treated following his disclosure.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Chief Superintendent Nicholas Keogh accused a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, referred to as Garda A, of being part of an orchestrated campaign to prevent Keogh's promotion. Keogh alleged that Garda A had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. Keogh claimed he suffered bullying from Superintendent Patrick Murray after making a protected disclosure in 2014, and that the investigation by Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn was delayed and obfuscated, damaging his complaint's timely resolution. Keogh wrote letters to Independent TDs Mick Wallace and Claire Daly, the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald, the Policing Authority, and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar opposing Murray's promotion. Superintendent Murray stated that Keogh was "casting aspersions" and that Keogh was part of a process to damage him.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh claimed that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, referred to as Garda A, had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. Keogh alleged that after he made a protected disclosure in 2014, the investigation team, including former Assistant Commissioner Donall Ó Cualáin and senior detective Declan Mulcahy, was set up on 9 May 2015. He complained of delays, missing evidence, and inappropriate circumstances for taking statements, noting that Garda A's mobile phone was seized on 13 June 2015 and wiped, suggesting he had been tipped off. Keogh said the phone could have revealed contact between Garda A and Ms B. He also claimed that the investigation team interviewed Gardaí in the station while Garda A was on duty, which he described as "insane" and akin to a comedy film.
A Garda has told the Disclosures Tribunal that he was denied a commendation for helping rescue a drowning woman because of his status as a whistleblower. Garda Nicholas Keogh, based in Athlone, alleges that management withheld recognition for his role in pulling a woman from the River Shannon in September 2019, despite receiving an award from Irish Water Safety. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is investigating treatment of Gda Keogh following a protected disclosure he made in 2014 concerning an alleged improper relationship between a senior member of the drugs unit and a heroin dealer. Gda Keogh told the tribunal he had previously received commendations for lesser actions and found the omission "sinister". He cited two further incidents where he claimed recognition was withheld. Sergeant Monaghan and Superintendent Patrick Murray disputed aspects of Gda Keogh's account, with Sgt Monaghan characterising the river rescue as a group effort and stating he was unaware of Gda Keogh's involvement in the other incidents. The hearing continues.
A Garda has told the Disclosures Tribunal that he believes he was deliberately confined to stressful desk duties at Athlone Garda Station because he made a protected disclosure in 2014. Garda Nicholas Keogh alleged that a senior member of the drugs unit engaged in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer. Following the suspension of the officer in question, Keogh was assigned to public office duties in October 2015, work he characterised as the most stressful in the station. He stated his hands were visibly shaking during a meeting with Superintendent Patrick Murray about the assignment. Keogh denied agreeing to the move and expressed belief that management deliberately assigned him to public duties to demonstrate control over whistleblowers. He also alleged that his request for leave to meet the Garda Ombudsman in August 2015 was refused improperly by Superintendent Murray. Judge Sean Ryan is chairing the tribunal's investigation into how Keogh was treated following his disclosure.