Tralee Court round-up: Ash Wednesday and a threat to kill
The KerrymanA number of cases appeared before Judge Waters at Tralee District Court on Wednesday, February 18. It was Ash Wednesday and many had attended church before court, evident by the markings on foreheads.
Nine men were sent forward for trial or plea. They include the cases of Kyle Quirke (32) of Market Court Apartments, Tralee, who faces two charges for money laundering, and Mohammed Ahsan (23), who faces charges of false imprisonment and the endangerment of a 20-year-old woman in his car in Listowel in September.
Solicitors noted several clients who were anxious for their cases to proceed. These included Paul Walsh (40) of Shanakill, Tralee, who has been in custody since November 19, 2025. “If it does drag on any longer, I would be requesting a bail application,” said his solicitor Brendan Ahern. He was remanded in custody until March 4 for directions from the Department of Public Prosecution.
Leon Gallagher (22) of Rock Park Avenue, Tralee, was also “extremely anxious to move the matter forward” said his solicitor Pádraig O’Connell. He was charged with assault causing harm in October. He was remanded in custody until March 4 for DPP directions, with a summons adjourned to the same date.
By contrast, Louise O’Brien (44) of Fountain Court, Tralee, had her solicitor request that her case not be finalised. She pleaded guilty to nine theft charges totalling €1,538.25 on February 4 but was remanded in custody so a probation report could be prepared before sentencing. The court heard she had been granted bail just before Christmas, had taken it up shortly after the holiday but then voluntarily relinquished it.
“She’s getting on quite well in custody,” said her solicitor Nuala Liston. “She’s not pushing for release today.” The judge remanded Ms O’Brien in custody and said her case would be finalised on March 3.
Patrick O’Brien (44) of Fresk Grove, Killarney, was sentenced to one month in prison for threats to kill or cause serious harm. The court heard he approached a neighbour at Daly’s Supervalu, Killarney on April 18 2024, asked him to fight and threatened to kill him. Mr O’Brien had 90 previous convictions, including scams in relation to false pretences and representations. “I can’t ignore the overall context of what’s going on here, this tit-for-tat,” said the judge.
Vladislav Olah (44) of Forest Lane, Tralee, was sentenced to four months in prison for stealing goods valued at €66 from his former employer on October 31, 2025. He had worked as a cleaner at Dunnes and had placed goods in a rubbish bag, Sgt Manton told the court. There was no loss.
“Unfortunately, temptation hit him in the face,” said Mr O’Connell. Mr Olah had nine previous convictions, including six for theft. He had previously done community service. “There are times when you run out of road,” said Judge Waters. “You cannot be wide-eyed and innocent if you come before the court again, you’re going to be dealt with more harshly.”