Wayne Gilligan jailed for violent disorder in Dublin

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Wayne Gilligan was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for his role in an attack on another man in Dublin city centre. Judge Martin Nolan imposed the sentence.

Gilligan, 29, of Rosebank Court, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty to violent disorder on Euston Street on 8 May 2023. The proceedings were reported on 18 March 2025.

Garda Chloe Rochford gave evidence on 18 March 2025 that Gilligan instigated the unprovoked attack by a group of six men at around 11.30pm. The report said he punched the man, causing him to fall, and kicked him on the ground. Another man kicked and stamped on the injured party, while a third struck him with a bladed weapon believed by gardaí to be a machete. Gilligan then kicked and stamped on him again.

The injured man was taken to hospital with deep cuts, including to his head and a finger. Gilligan was identified from CCTV and was the only one of the six men identified. There was no suggestion he used or had a weapon. Garda Rochford said she could not give evidence about whether the injuries were caused only by the weapon.

Gilligan had 137 previous convictions, including for affray, assault, endangerment and drugs offences. Defence counsel said his offending was linked to addiction, which he had taken steps to address, and asked the court not to extend his time in custody or to suspend part of any sentence.

Judge Nolan said Gilligan led the attack and that its reasons were unclear. Having considered the mitigation and Gilligan's personal circumstances, the judge declined the request not to extend his time in custody.