Courts / Carlow / Report
Man there for 'moral support' at fatal stabbing gets 3.5 years
Summary
Conor O'Brien, 24, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for his role in the fatal stabbing of Darren Quigley at New Oak Estate, Carlow, on October 21, 2024. O'Brien pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place with the intention of causing injury, contrary to section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. A co-accused is separately charged with the murder of Mr. Quigley. Mr Justice Paul McDermott described O'Brien as an active participant who helped set up the confrontation, rather than an idle bystander. The judge set a headline sentence of six years but reduced it to four years and six months, taking into account O'Brien's early guilty plea, remorse, and cooperation. The final year of the sentence was suspended for two years, making O'Brien a suitable candidate for probation supervision with family support. A further charge of possessing a metal bar was taken into consideration. The sentence was backdated to October 2024. The court acknowledged the devastating impact on the Quigley family, including two young children who lost their father.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man there for 'moral support' at fatal stabbing gets 3.5 years. 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
- October 2024 Incident
- 2025-11-17 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
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 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
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.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Ardmore Drive
- Browneshill Road
- Carlow
- New Oak Estate
- Market View
- New Oak Estate
- Carlow
Topics
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