Courts / Limerick / Report

Limerick pair to be tried at non-jury court

Date
2026-03-09
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Limerick
County
Limerick

Summary

Ms Justice Karen O'Connor ordered John O'Donovan and Shane Blackhall to be tried before the Special Criminal Court on charges including firearms offences. O'Donovan also faces allegations involving a criminal organisation, vehicle use and arson, while Blackhall faces drug and firearms charges.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Limerick pair to be tried at non-jury court. Charges or matters: drug offences at the same address on June 10, 2025, including having cocaine, cannabis and diamorphine for sale or supply, with a market value of €13,000 or more. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

John O'Donovan

Accused

Charges: drug offences at the same address on June 10, 2025, including having cocaine, cannabis and diamorphine for sale or supply, with a market value of €13,000 or more (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Ms Justice Karen O'Connor made an order that both men are to be tried before the Special Criminal Court, with the matter put back to March 16.

Shane Blackhall

Accused

Charges: drug offences at the same address on June 10, 2025, including having cocaine, cannabis and diamorphine for sale or supply, with a market value of €13,000 or more (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Ms Justice Karen O'Connor made an order that both men are to be tried before the Special Criminal Court, with the matter put back to March 16.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Special Criminal Court
  • Limerick
  • Limerick District Court
Residence
Address Area
  • Ashborune Avenue
  • Hyde Avenue

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request