Man banned from Kerry after alleged threats about children at named creches
The KerrymanA man’s alleged ‘obsession’ and escalating threats to two Kerry-based gardaí and their children saw him banned from Kerry as part of his bail conditions.
Michael Harrington (26) of Canfie Road, Ardgroom, Beare, Cork appeared before Listowel District Court on Thursday, October 1.
He wore a grey Nike sweatsuit and had a black eye.
At a bail hearing, Judge Carol Anne Coolican heard that menacing phone calls to the relevant garda station had escalated to naming children and the creches they attended.
“All of these calls were threatening in nature,” said Sgt Eoin Donovan.
Mr Harrington perceived there was a “vendetta” against him, his solicitor Brendan Ahern told the court.
Mr Harrington lives alone in an isolated area on the Beara Peninsula, the court heard.
“It’s that isolation really driving this on,” said Sgt Donovan. “He really doesn’t have anybody to hold him back.”
He added, “It is genuinely the position that he believes he is correct. He believes he sees unmarked garda cars outside of his house. The level of paranoia is concerning.”
Mr Harrington was charged with two counts of harassment at a Kerry Garda Station between January 1 and September 30, 2026.
He was further charged with resisting a peace officer at his residence and assaulting a sergeant at Killarney Garda Station on Wednesday, September 30. The court heard he spat on a garda after his arrest.
“Following his arrest, he remained violent,” Sgt Donovan told the court. “During his arrest, he remained aggressive.”
Mr Harrington was also charged with cannabis possession.
The garda expressed concern that the accused did not possess the self-control to refrain from committing further offences.
“It’s the concern in relation to the threats against children,” he said. “My concern is he doesn’t have the ability to control himself and might act out his threats.”
Gardaí objected to bail based on the seriousness of the charge and the strength of the evidence, which confirmed the phone in his possession was tied to the number used to make the threatening calls to the garda station.
“It is believed he will continue to threaten the guards,” added Sgt Donovan. “It is his belief his actions are acceptable and correct.”
Mr Ahern noted his client had no other matters before the court.
Sgt Donovan responded by noting the quick escalation of the threats to the two gardaí in the last six weeks.
“They tried to ignore it,” said Sgt Donovan. “They’re very concerned, moreso for family members. It’s their belief he has become aggressive and that will progress to a physical event.”
Mr Harrington was arrested at 9.50pm on September 30.
The court heard that when Mr Harrington was cautioned by a female garda, he suggested she was related to one of the guards he allegedly harassed, whom he referred to with a misogynist slur.
Mr Ahern suggested the State may agree to bail if his client were barred from entering the town where the relevant gardaí are based..
“The obsession seems to be increasing,” countered Sgt Donovan, stressing Mr Harrington’s “exclusive knowledge” of the personal lives of gardaí.
A doctor assessment last Wednesday found he was fit to be interviewed by gardaí, the court heard.
“I accept these are very serious allegations,” said Mr Harrington’s solicitor.
But, he added, “As it stands, judge, the harassment is related to phone calls.”
Judge Coolican granted bail, stating if a doctor believed he was fit for a garda interview then Mr Harrington was capable of understanding his bail terms.
Mr Harrington listened, standing with his hands clasped as the judge read his conditions.
He is not to contact any garda station in Kerry or enter the county except for court appearances or appointments with his legal advisor if approved by gardaí in advance.
Mr Harrington is under curfew from 10pm to 7am and must be answerable by phone at all times.
He is not to have contact with the alleged injured parties or their family and not to come within a kilometre of their homes.
“I’m not on call this weekend but I am available if there’s any breach of any of these conditions,” said Judge Coolican. “If that means travelling to Kenmare, I will do so.”
She ordered Mr Harrington to appear in person at Killarney District Court on Tuesday, October 6 but a medical certificate was provided.
In Killarney, his case was adjourned to November 3 for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions .