Courts / Cork / Report

Spokesman for family of Garda murderer challenges dismissal from army reserve

Summary

Kealan Harrington, a marketing executive from Ballintemple, Co Cork, has brought a High Court challenge against his discharge from the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF). The applicant claims the decision, made effective on May 17, was unlawful and breached natural and constitutional justice. He alleges he was denied a fair hearing and that his dismissal is linked to his role as public spokesperson for the family of Aaron Brady, who was convicted and jailed for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donoghue. Harrington asserts that the RDF cited a security risk, stemming from an incident at Collins Barracks, Cork, where he was allegedly accused of impersonating an officer. He maintains this was a misunderstanding and that he was never provided with specific reasons for the discharge. In judicial review proceedings against the Minister for Defence, Ireland, and the Attorney General, Harrington seeks an order quashing the discharge decision and remitting it to the Minister for determination in accordance with regulations. The matter came before Mr Justice Charles Meenan, who directed that the application for permission to bring the challenge be made on notice to the respondents. The case was adjourned and will return before the Court in November.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Spokesman for family of Garda murderer challenges dismissal from army reserve. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 17th Other
• 2021-07-26 Publication

Why: Counsel said his client believes that Mr Harrington's decision to act as a spokesperson for the family of convicted murderer Aaron Brady is the reason for his discharge from the RDF. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report