Galway burglar lost more than half of €17,000 haul during getaway
Martin McDonagh (41) said he lost the money as he made his getaway from the incident in Galway City centre last August, Galway Circuit Court heard.
McDonagh, with an address at 8 Droim Chaoin, Bishop O'Donnell Road, pleaded guilty that on August 17, 2025 he entered Cadell Bar, 31 Woodquay, as a trespasser and committed the theft of €17,000 and two bottles of alcohol.
Sergeant John Kerrigan told the court McDonagh gained access to the rear of the property after a gate was inadvertently left open.
The court heard that when inside, McDonagh went to a small office and got the key to a safe that the business owner later told Gardaí contained approximately €17,000 in notes and coins.
Sgt Kerrigan said the accused was identified on CCTV and a search of his home address led to the recovery of €7,679.50
Sergeant Kerrigan said that when asked about the outstanding money, McDonagh said he lost it as he made his getaway on the night.
This court was told McDonagh had 243 convictions including 12 for burglary and had a "significant drug problem".
Sgt Kerrigan agreed with defence counsel, Ernest White BL, that the accused had initially entered the premises with the intention of stealing alcohol.
Mr White said his client had a history of addiction from an early age and had spent about 26 years in and out of custody.
The court was told McDonagh was doing well in prison, was clean and sober and attending education classes.
In sentencing, Judge Brian O'Callaghan said the accused had committed a serious burglary offence and knew exactly what he was doing on the night.
He said McDonagh's level of moral culpability was significant but the court also took into account mitigating factors including his level of cooperation, early signed plea of guilty and expression of remorse.
Judge O'Callaghan set a headline sentence of six years and a post-mitigation sentence of four years with the final 12 months suspended.
At the end of the hearing, McDonagh asked if the court could impose a shorter sentence as he could not get access to addiction treatment services in prison and "prison is rife with drugs".
Judge O'Callaghan said the court was well aware of overcrowding and other issues facing the prison system but the court had made its final decision.
He asked McDonagh if he would write a letter to the court in four months setting out how he is getting on.
Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.