Redemption in Kerry for friary fiasco leads busy day at Killarney courthouse
The KerrymanA near escape through a patio door, a broken candelabra, stolen coins and a drunken slumber were amongst the cases before Judge David Waters at Killarney District Court last Tuesday.
It was a story of redemption for Stephen Burke (35) of Ballyspillane, Killarney who was commended for his cooperation with probation services following charges of theft and damage at the Killarney Franciscan Friary in November 2022.
These included damage to a Padre Pio candelabra, a donation box, a glass candle and a leaflet donation box, as well as the theft of three euros and possession of a pair of pliers to be used for the theft. The judge praised his work with probation officers and remanded him on bail until June 2026 under continued supervision.
James Joy (26) of Gortagullane Upper, Mangerton Road, Muckross pleaded guilty to trespassing after a man came home to find Mr Joy in his bed. Mr Joy “eventually left through the patio door”, the court heard. He was fined €500. “He’s extremely remorseful,” said his solicitor Padraig O’Connell.
Rhea Cronin (21) of Glanapple, Kilcummin had a charge of no insurance struck out. The court heard she had planned to drive home after a night out on July 28, 2024. It was said an acquaintance forcibly took her car keys and drove her vehicle due to her alleged inebriation. The driver had already come before the court for this incident and the judge struck out the matter.
Greg O’Sullivan was less fortunate and fined €350 for no insurance. He was stopped at a checkpoint on the Cork-Killarney road and had an issue with direct payment that he later rectified, his solicitor said.
Gavin Miller (41) of Maple Place, Tosher, Cork was fined €250 for being so drunk as to pose a danger to himself or others at College Street, Killarney on September 25. “He was very unsteady and only able to stand when being held up,” the court heard.
Darius Randis (56) of Clovers Lane, Killarney was fined €350 for dangerous intoxication when gardaí found him asleep on a footpath on College Street, Killarney at 12.51am on October 14.
Today's News in 90 Seconds - Wednesday, November 12
Owen Reen of Rathbeg East, Rathmore was fined €450 for abusive language after gardaí found him hassling a bouncer at 11.10pm on September 4, 2025.
Beara Cabs and Coaches of Ivy Lodge, West End, Castletown, Cork was charged for permitting Declan Finnegan to drive without a certificate of professional competence in relation to the vehicle at Minish, Killarney on June 10, 2025. A solicitor told the court that Mr Finnegan had driven for 55 years, had no previous convictions and had apologised. He was fined €250.
Jakub Milczarek (27) of 49 Park Drive, Park Road, Killarney was fined €450 for abuse and threatening language at 1.30am on July 13, 2025. Gardaí approached Mr Milczarek when they saw him in a heated argument on Beech Road. He became abusive. “He’s gathering up convictions so he needs to be careful,” said the judge.