Strokestown Three in 'flagrant, deliberate and contrived breach' of court orders

Three men remain in custody at Mountjoy Prison following a High Court ruling that they must stay detained indefinitely until they comply with orders to vacate a farm in Falsk, Strokestown, County Roscommon. Michael Anthony McGann, Kevin Taylor and Colm Granahan were jailed for contempt of court after refusing to give undertakings to stay away from the property, which was subject to a repossession order by KBC bank and subsequent vacant possession orders. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds found their actions constituted a flagrant, deliberate and contrived breach of existing court orders. The judge noted evidence that all three were present on the farm despite having no entitlement to be there, and referenced an orchestrated social media campaign that undermined court authority and encouraged others to attend the property. The men have been offered opportunities to purge their contempt but have demonstrated unwillingness to do so. Mr Granahan is from Ballina, County Mayo, Mr Taylor is a retired Garda from Longford, and Mr McGann is from Strokestown.