Courts / Kilkenny / Report
Kilkenny hurling coach who conned friend out of €40k withdraws appeal against 6-month jail sentence
Summary
James Meagher, a 39‑year‑old Kilkenny hurling coach, was convicted of defrauding a childhood friend of €42,000, an amount that the victim had believed was an investment in a non‑existent sliotar business. The fraud was prosecuted under Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, with seven additional offences considered. Judge Elva Duffy sentenced Meagher to two years in prison, suspended the final 18 months, and postponed the start of the custodial term until 1 June to accommodate his college commitments. Meagher had appealed the severity of the sentence on 18 April but withdrew that appeal at a brief Court of Appeal hearing. He had previously coached the Kilkenny minor hurling team and was part of the Ballyhale Shamrocks backroom staff that won the All‑Ireland club championship this year. The victim's impact statement described a loss of self‑esteem and a sense of betrayal. James Meagher pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Kilkenny hurling coach who conned friend out of €40k withdraws appeal against 6-month jail sentence. Charges or matters: fraudulently taking €42,000 from the injured party, a man he knew from childhood, contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- March 22 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 1 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 18 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2019 Other
- November 2019 Other
- 2023-06-07 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: fraudulently taking €42,000 from the injured party, a man he knew from childhood, contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Elva Duffy imposed a two-year sentence at Kilkenny Circuit Court on March 22 last and suspended the final 18 months. Judge Duffy also postponed the activation of his prison sentence until June 1 due to Meagher's college commitments.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Kilkenny
- Kilkenny Circuit Court
Topics
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