Businessman Brian McDonagh warned by judge after breaching bail conditions at former Wicklow home
The Wicklow PeopleA businessman man who was involved in a stand-off with a sherriff and armed gardaí at his former home in Wicklow has been accused of breaching bail conditions by repeatedly returning to the repossessed property.
Brian McDonagh (64), with an address in Terenure, Co. Dublin, appeared at Bray District Court on October 6, 2025, charged with breaching his bail conditions and trespassing. The incident took place on October 5, 2025.
On February 24, 2025, Mr McDonagh allegedly barricaded himself inside his home, Drummin House in Delgany, Co. Wicklow, as sheriff officers attempted to carry out a repossession order. Armed Garda response units, negotiators, and medical crews were deployed to the scene during the stand-off, and two firearms were later seized from the property.
Mr McDonagh was arrested under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, and subsequently charged with wilfully obstructing a sheriff and producing an article likely to intimidate.
The accused was remanded in custody on his first appearance before Bray District Court on February 25, 2025 but was granted bail by the same court a week later.
The conditions of his bail, which were set on March 3, 2025, included that he stays away from Drummin House and its grounds.
A garda told the court on Monday that Mr McDonagh has attended the property 10 times in the last six weeks. By his own admission, Mr McDonagh said this was true.
Solicitor for the defendant, Michael O’Connor, asked the court what conditions would satisfy it. He added that another bail condition was that Mr McDonagh sign on at Bray Garda Station and told the court that his client had cooperated with this condition.
The court was informed that new owners purchased Drummin House in July and that they are extremely fearful about the current situation. The court also heard that Mr McDonagh’s wife is engaged in a High Court case challenging the eviction and is due back in the High Court in November.
Today's News in 90 Seconds, Wednesday, October 8
Judge David Kennedy threatened to remand Mr McDonagh to custody if he breached a new set of conditions.
Mr McDonagh’s new bail conditions are that he must stay away from Drummin House and its grounds in Delgany, Co. Wicklow and sign on at Bray Garda Station every Monday and Friday.
The court also heard that at a previous bail hearing, Mr McDonagh had given five addresses where he could be located. Judge Kennedy made it clear he must now give one fixed address. Mr Michael O’Connor told the court that his client will now reside at an address in Terenure, Co. Dublin.
Legal aid was granted to Michael O'Connor Solicitors, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Mr McDonagh is due back before Bray District Court in November.