Courts / Carlow / Report
Man armed himself with knife and bar for 'moral support', court hears
Summary
Conor O'Brien, 24, appeared at the Central Criminal Court for sentencing following his guilty plea to possession of an article in a public place with the intention of causing injury, contrary to section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. The offence, dated October 21, 2024, involved carrying a knife at New Oak Estate, Carlow. A further charge regarding the possession of a metal bar was taken into consideration. O'Brien is alleged to have accompanied a co-accused to the home of Darren Quigley, where Mr Quigley was allegedly stabbed to death. Prosecution evidence stated O'Brien admitted bringing the weapons to lend 'moral support' and pushing the co-accused off the victim. The co-accused is separately charged with murder. Defence counsel Kathleen Leader SC argued O'Brien was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, had cooperated with the investigation, and is a suitable candidate for probation supervision with family support. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to November 17 for sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man armed himself with knife and bar for 'moral support', court hears. Charges or matters: possession of an article in a public place with the intention of causing injury, incapacity or intimidation contrary to section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990; the murder of Darren Quigley at his home address at New Oak Estate on October 21, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 21, 2024 Incident
- July 14 Incident
- November 17 Other
- 2025-11-03 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of an article in a public place with the intention of causing injury, incapacity or intimidation contrary to section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990; the murder of Darren Quigley at his home address at New Oak Estate on October 21, 2024 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Ms Leader also said that O'Brien is a suitable candidate for probation supervision and will have family support when he is released from custody.; The matter was put back by Mr Justice Paul McDermott to November 17 next for sentencing.
Places mentioned
- Ardmore Drive
- Browneshill Road
- Carlow
- New Oak Estate
- Market View
- New Oak Estate
- Carlow
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
Related court reports
- 11 years for violent rapist who went on to attack again just a year after prison release
- Six years for man who tried to strangle partner in her own home
- Money mule to be sentenced over role in €19k phishing scam
- On-bail offender jailed for armed threat to burn down Carlow pub owners' home
- Woman pleads guilty to Carlow murder
- Rapist who asked why teen victim hadn't screamed gets six years
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request