Michael Geoghegan, 36, a former Crufts best dog handler, was placed on a probation bond after pleading guilty to three knife‑point robberies in Swords, north Dublin. The judge, Patricia Ryan, adjourned his sentence to January, citing his efforts to address drug and alcohol addiction and a probation report supporting his rehabilitation. Geoghegan handed €2,500 as a gesture of remorse to be divided among the victims. He had previously admitted to producing a large kitchen knife and an iron drill bit to intimidate victims and resisting arrest. The court noted his past convictions for robbery with an imitation firearm (2005) and drug offences. He threatened a Garda with a knife during the arrests, but the officer used a baton to disarm him. The case remains pending, with the sentence to be decided next year.
Two men, Paul O'Beirne (36) and Jeffrey Morrow (37), pleaded guilty to helping a criminal organisation murder 25‑year‑old Vinnie Ryan. They were charged with facilitating a serious offence under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. O'Beirne was also charged with providing and destroying a motor vehicle used in the murder, while Morrow's indictment did not mention the vehicle. The court accepted the pleas and remanded both men in custody until a sentence hearing on 26 July. Mr Justice Michael White said he would not pass sentence that day and would set a date for sentencing. The trial included evidence that Ryan was shot three times, one bullet passing through his head, and CCTV footage linking O'Beirne to the disposal of a seat cover from a car used in the murder. The prosecution also presented DNA evidence linking a dog's hair to the cover recovered from O'Beirne's garden.
The fast‑track Commercial Court has admitted a dispute between the owners of the thoroughbred stallion Ajaya and several UK‑based insurance syndicates. Ajaya was declared permanently infertile in 2018 by an equine consultant. The owners, Rathbarry Stallions Ltd together with Kuwaiti businessmen Saleh Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar, had taken out a 'Bloodstock insurance' policy with XL Catlin, Tokio Marine Kiln, Novae, Markel and Brit syndicates. They claim the insurers breached contract by refusing to pay the "Stallion Permanent Total Disability Extension" and the fair market value of the horse. The owners also seek damages for breach of contract, negligence and breach of duty. The insurers argue the owners failed to meet policy conditions and did not disclose all material facts, and deny the horse's permanent infertility. The case will be heard in October, with mediation hoped to resolve the dispute.
In a High Court hearing on 11 July 2019, Mr James Carney, a part‑owner of a horse sold in 2011, apologised to the court for social‑media posts about Goffs Bloodstock Sales Ltd. He admitted the posts were unfounded and pledged not to repeat such conduct. Carney withdrew complaints he had made to professional bodies, including the British Horseracing Authority. Goffs, represented by Robert J. Goff and Co, Goffs Bloodstock Sales Ltd, Goffs UK Ltd, and CEO Mr Henry Beeby, had sued Carney for defamation, claiming the posts damaged the firm's reputation and sought damages. The parties reached a settlement, with Carney agreeing to delete all relevant posts, remove a Twitter account, withdraw complaints to regulatory bodies, and refrain from future complaints. The judge adjourned the case with liberty to re‑enter.
In a High Court hearing on 11 July 2019, Justice Leonie Reynolds issued orders against farmer James Scully, who had removed cattle from 156 acres of Thornton Hall land in North County Dublin earmarked for a proposed prison. The Minister for Justice, represented by David McGrath SC and Elizabeth Donovan BL, alleged that Scully had grazed livestock on the land for several months without permission, a claim Scully denied and said he had removed all animals. He also claimed other people's livestock had been grazing there. The judge noted Scully had removed his animals but ordered him to refrain from any further trespassing and to keep all livestock off the Minister's property. She rejected any claim that permission had been granted and warned that the cost of removing stray animals would be very high. The land, owned by the Minister, has seen significant state investment and security works, yet Scully's continued presence prompted the legal action.
Micheal Geoghegan, 36, of Swords, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and production of a knife at Rathbeale Road, Swords, on August 18, 2018. He also admitted producing a large kitchen knife to intimidate and producing an iron drill bit and knife while resisting arrest. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the offences carry a potential maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Prosecution evidence detailed that Geoghegan robbed three women at knifepoint and subsequently threatened Detective Sergeant Alan Flaherty, who eventually disarmed him using a baton. Geoghegan has a previous conviction for robbery with an imitation firearm from 2005 and prior drug offences. Defence counsel Annette Kealy BL stated that Geoghegan is attempting to address his heroin addiction and had remained drug-free since the incidents. She also noted his past achievement as a best dog handler at Crufts. Geoghegan brought €2,500 to court as a token of remorse. After hearing the evidence, Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned the case to July 23 next for sentence.
In July 2019 the Minister for Justice brought High Court proceedings against farmer Mr James Scully of Kilreesk Lane, St Margarets, Co Dublin, over alleged trespassing of his cattle on 156 acres of land known as Thornton Hall, owned by the Minister. The land had been earmarked for a proposed 'super prison' and the State had spent over €50m on the site since 2005. A sworn affidavit stated that Scully's livestock had been grazing there for several months, and that in February the Irish Prison Service was notified that cattle had strayed onto a neighbouring property and onto a road, almost causing a collision. The Minister had spent €21,000 on fencing, gates, bollards and repairs to neighbour lawns.
In a High Court hearing on 5 July 2019, Mr Justice John Jordan dismissed the injunction application of Abu Dhabi businessman Abdullah Rashid Ahmed Almana Mansoori against Wicklow falcon breeder Kenneth Smith. Mansoori sought to stop Smith from supplying falcons to any other party pending the outcome of their dispute over a 2014 agreement. Smith's lawyers said he had entered a contract to supply falcons to the Crown Prince of Dubai, though they could not confirm the identity of the third party. Smith claimed he had terminated the agreement in January 2019 due to unpaid invoices, while Mansoori denied termination and alleged quality issues with birds supplied in September 2019. The judge found the injunction unsupported, citing Mansoori's delay in bringing the case, the mandatory nature of the order, and animal welfare concerns. He awarded Smith the costs of the proceedings and urged a full hearing of the dispute as soon as possible. The case remains pending for further adjudication.
During the murder trial of Paul O'Beirne and Jeffrey Morrow, Dr Rebecca Weld presented DNA evidence linking a bulldog to a car seat cover found at the accused's home. Dr Weld, a PhD in animal identification and former director of Weatherbys DNA laboratories, had examined DNA from a black cocker‑spaniel named Lily and an English bulldog named Bailey in 2016. She matched a partial DNA profile from a white hair on the cover to Bailey, noting the probability of a match with another dog was one in a billion. The cover, recovered from a bin in O'Beirne's garden, was similar to a canvas sheet from Joseph Cogan's stolen Volkswagen Golf GTI, which he claimed was used to protect his car from dog hairs. Cogan had provided hair samples from his fawn bulldog and black cocker‑spaniel. The prosecution argues the fatal shots were fired from the Golf. Paul O'Beirne pleaded not guilty. Jeffrey Morrow pleaded not guilty.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that the accused man handed himself in to gardaí in Cork on 3 January 2018, three days after the fatal stabbing of his housemate in Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan. Garda Razvan Ghetau testified that when the man entered Anglesea Garda Station stating he had killed his friend, the officer initially believed it was a jest. The witness said the accused repeated his statement and appeared serious, with his hands positioned as though requesting arrest. Inspector John Callinan outlined the subsequent interviews conducted in Cavan. The accused, Tomasz Paszkiewicz (39), explained he had worked at a meat processing facility since 2009, boning cattle heads. When shown a knife recovered from the scene bearing his employee number, he identified it as his work knife, which he had brought home a year prior. Questioned about his knife proficiency, he acknowledged developing considerable skill over nine years. Mr Paszkiewicz has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to the death of Marek Swider (40).
In a murder case, Gardai collected DNA and hair samples from two dogs owned by Paul O'Beirne (36) and Jeffrey Morrow (37), whose car was stolen in October 2015. The defendants, who pleaded not guilty, were involved in the February 2016 shooting of Vincent Ryan (25) on McKee Road, Finglas. Joseph Cogan, the car owner, described how his silver Volkswagen Golf GTI was taken and how a grey canvas sheet in the boot, used to protect the car from dog hair, was likely covered in hair. He confirmed giving permission for DNA and hair sampling on April 14, 2016. Additional testimony included Gary Tai's observation of a burning car on Red Lane and John Shaughnessy's fire‑fighting efforts, with Garda Niall Geoghan photographing the scene. The trial proceeds before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury of eight men and four women.
Derek Heavey, aged 32, of Moeran Road, Walkinstown, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm and criminal damage following an incident on Ballyfermot Road on May 23, 2018. An off-duty garda sounded his horn at Heavey, who was operating a horse-drawn sulky on the wrong side of the road. Heavey subsequently attacked the garda, striking him through the car window, damaging the vehicle's wing mirror, and punching him in the face, resulting in a chipped tooth. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a two-year custodial sentence, fully suspended on condition Heavey maintain the peace and good behaviour for two years. The court ordered Heavey to pay €1,000 in compensation immediately and raise a further €1,000 within twelve months. The judge characterised the incident as "a gross act of petulance.
During Ana Kriegel's murder trial, the jury was barred from hearing that Boy A had searched for "child porn" and "animal porn" online and possessed thousands of pornographic images on two mobile phones. Judge Paul McDermott deemed the evidence "highly prejudicial" and not relevant to the case. Gardaí had found two phones in Boy A's bedroom, one containing 5,001 images, many pornographic, and the other 7,485 images, with 42 deemed relevant to the investigation. The prosecution also sought to introduce a questionnaire Boy A filled out, describing himself as "strange" and "different", but the judge ruled it irrelevant. Boy A's lawyers also challenged the admissibility of his clothes and phone, which were seized while he was not a suspect, but the judge rejected these claims, stating the evidence was lawfully obtained. The judge also dismissed objections to DNA evidence and a mannequin photograph, citing lack of probative value.
Greg Lordan, 29, of Parish Field, Clonakilty, pleaded guilty in Cork Circuit Criminal Court to possessing 1,027 images of child pornography on 16 February 2017. He had an old mobile phone containing 638 images of child nudity, 386 images of sexual activity involving children and adults, and three images of a child with an animal. The original judge, Seán O'Donnabháin, imposed a wholly suspended three‑year sentence on 9 November 2018, which the Court of Appeal found unduly lenient. On appeal, Patrick McCarthy re‑sentenced Lordan to three years imprisonment, suspending the final two years. He must enter a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period and was taken into custody immediately. Lordan had no prior convictions, had cooperated with Gardaí, and had undergone therapy, but the Court emphasised the need for deterrence in sentencing.
During the trial of two 14‑year‑old boys charged with the murder of Anastasia Kriegel, a dog walker named Gerard Redmond testified that he saw a schoolboy make a direct, 45‑degree turn from a low embankment into a ditch and then head straight toward the abandoned Glenwood House where Ana's body was found. Redmond described the boy's path as a "beeline" and suggested the boy was simply taking a shortcut home. A child witness also reported seeing Ana and one of the boys walking together in a nearby park, laughing and joking. Additional witnesses described the boy's injuries and alleged that he had been attacked by two people in the park. The court continued the hearing with a judge's order restricting reporting to a single media outlet. The trial proceeded before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. Glenwood House pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court hearing on 11 April 2019, trainer Gordon Elliott denied that he had spoken to John Boylan, the 32‑year‑old alleged drug dealer, about the purchase of Labaik, a horse that won the Supreme Novice's Hurdle at Cheltenham in March 2017. Elliott, who owns 5 % of Labaik, stated that the horse's 90 % share is held by Boylan, registered to Anthony O'Sullivan. He described Labaik as a "massive engine" with a quirk, noting the horse suffered a career‑threatening injury at Punchestown in April 2017. Elliott said the horse's value after Cheltenham was €250,000‑€300,000 but was now "not worth very much." Boylan has sued CAB for losses from the injury, while CAB alleges the horse was bought with proceeds of crime. The court will decide whether the purchase was financed by illicit funds and whether damages can be claimed. The judge will reserve judgment.
A 36‑year‑old woman, Laura Kenna, was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment, with the last five years suspended, for attempting to murder civil servant Fionnuala Burke on Lower Drumcondra Road on 3 January 2017. Kenna, who had no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, a plea rejected by a Central Criminal Court jury on 5 March. The jury heard that Kenna attacked Burke, who was walking home from work, by pushing her onto a grassy area and stabbing her. Burke suffered a deep slash across her neck that penetrated muscle and the thyroid gland, requiring surgery and intensive care. Kenna later admitted to the Gardaí that she had "sliced her like you would a goat." Justice Tara Burns, after considering Kenna's mental health history and admissions, imposed a 15‑year term, suspending the final five years on the condition that Kenna comply with psychiatric treatment and remain drug‑ and alcohol‑free during the suspended period. Laura Kenna was found guilty.
In a High Court case, Revenue sought to freeze assets of the Animal Heaven Animal Rescue charity, claiming a debt of €145,000. The court had issued temporary orders restricting the charity's assets to below €191,000 and preventing transfer of its 37 acres in County Kerry to Athlone SPCA. The charity's trustees, including CEO David Hall, were named in the orders. Mr Hall, appointed to the board in 2018, intends to submit a sworn statement to clarify factual matters and address reputational damage caused by online allegations of fraud. Counsel for Revenue agreed to adjourn the hearing until the affidavit is filed, with the injunction remaining in force until the full hearing in May. The case remains at the pre‑hearing stage, with no verdict yet reached.
In a Carlow farm case, James Kavanagh, aged 48, pleaded guilty to 30 counts of animal cruelty at his Raheenleigh property in April 2015. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, ordered to pay €35,000 toward ISPCA costs, and disqualified for life from any involvement with dogs or horses. His wife, Jennifer, received a wholly suspended 12‑month sentence for 30 counts of allowing animal cruelty. The Court of Appeal upheld the sentence, noting that 340 dogs and 11 horses were removed over 11 days, with 20 dogs and four horses euthanised. The premises were described as "strewn with skeletal remains" and "truly shocking," with evidence of severe neglect, cannibalism, and health problems among the animals. The appeal was dismissed, confirming the severity of the original sentence.
In 2019, Mr Edward McDonagh of Galway sued Galway County Council, claiming wrongful seizure and slaughter of his thoroughbred stallion, Chief of Colours, seized in February 2018. He seeks judicial review orders and declarations that the council acted beyond its powers by refusing to release the horse and euthanising it to enforce a disputed debt. McDonagh also alleges the council's policy of detaining horses for unpaid fees and its failure to provide requested information violated his constitutional rights to fair procedure. He seeks damages for the unlawful slaughter. The council denies the claims, stating the seizure was lawful under the 1996 Control of Horses Act, citing breaches by McDonagh and lack of a valid horse passport. The case was opened in the High Court, with the judge reserving judgment until after Easter.
In a case heard in Naas Circuit Criminal Court, Laurence Carthy, aged 43, was convicted of assault causing harm to his ex‑wife Joanne Carthy. The conviction was based largely on the victim's testimony that she recognised Carthy's voice during the assault. She identified him by the phrase "it's just because I miss you so much" and noted his breathing and grunting. No forced entry occurred, Carthy retained a key, and the family dog did not bark. A jury found him guilty and Judge Brian O'Callaghan sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, with 18 months suspended. Carthy appealed, arguing the voice‑recognition evidence was weak and that no other supporting evidence existed. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, accepting the witness's familiarity with Carthy's voice as sufficient for conviction and rejecting further procedural objections. The appeal was dismissed by Justice Isobel Kennedy, Justice George Birmingham and Justice Patrick McCarthy. Laurence Carthy pleaded not guilty.
A forensic anthropologist giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court has expressed doubt that a fractured femur found on the remains of Bobby Ryan could have resulted from concrete debris falling during the body's removal from a tank. Dr Rene Gapert, examining bones retrieved from an underground run-off tank on a farm at Fawnagown, County Tipperary, identified human and animal remains among the fragments. He told the court the femur, being the body's strongest bone, was unlikely to have sustained such an injury from the falling concrete when gardaí used a digger to remove a slab covering the tank. Mr Ryan's body was discovered in April 2013, approximately 22 months after he went missing in June 2011. Patrick Quirke, aged 50, of Breanshamore, County Tipperary, has pleaded not guilty to his murder. The trial, before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury, continues.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Daniel Molloy, aged 28, was convicted of assaulting Ellen Colgan on Eccles Street. On 17 December 2017, Colgan was walking her two dogs when Molloy, pushing a trolley and walking three dogs, approached her. She reported that Molloy shouted, "Go away you stupid bitch or I'll let them eat you," and that the dogs attacked her. Colgan described a large dog, weighing about 40 kg, biting her neck and head, and she managed to lift and fling the dog away. She sustained a bite mark on her leg and her dog suffered puncture wounds. The judge, Martin Nolan, imposed a suspended three‑year prison term, requiring Molloy to remain out of trouble and comply with probation for one year. He was allowed to keep his two bull terrier mongrels, but may not acquire any dog larger than a terrier after they die.
James Kavanagh, 48, pleaded guilty to 30 counts of animal cruelty at his Myshall property, where 63 animals were involved. Gardaí and animal welfare officers found dead dogs and horses, and dogs feeding on horse carcasses. The court removed 340 dogs and 11 horses; 4 horses and 20 dogs were euthanised. Kavanagh received a three‑year prison sentence and was ordered to pay €35,000 to the ISPCA. His wife, Jennifer, received a wholly suspended 12‑month sentence for 30 counts of allowing cruelty. Kavanagh's barrister, Colman Cody, appealed, arguing the case was one of neglect rather than overt cruelty, noting no physical abuse was proven. The appeal focuses on the severity of the sentence, the alleged mischaracterisation of his premises, and the impact of legislative changes on his business. The court has reserved its judgment.
James Kavanagh, aged 48, pleaded guilty to 30 counts of animal cruelty at his property in Raheenleigh, Myshall, Carlow, where 63 animals were involved. Gardaí and animal welfare officers found dead dogs and horses, and dogs feeding on horse carcasses. After inspection, 340 dogs and 11 horses were removed; four horses and 20 dogs were euthanised. Kavanagh received a straight three‑year prison sentence and was ordered to pay €35,000 to the ISPCA. His wife, Jennifer Kavanagh, received a wholly suspended 12‑month sentence for 30 counts of allowing cruelty. Kavanagh's lawyers sought bail pending an appeal on the severity of the sentence, but were granted an early hearing date of 19 March. The appeal focuses on mitigating circumstances, including the death of the couple's teenage son, the family's medical and psychological distress, and the lack of a suspended portion in the original sentence.
The trial of Patrick Quirke, 50, of Breanshamore, Co Tipperary, who has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Bobby 'Mr Moonlight' Ryan, continued at the Central Criminal Court. Prosecution witness Gary Cunningham testified that in 2013, after Ryan's body was discovered in a tank on land leased by the accused, Quirke asked him if he had heard any rumours. Cunningham stated Quirke then mentioned a rumour that a 'Polish group' was involved. Under cross-examination, Cunningham acknowledged a general rumour existed but could not recall hearing it from anyone other than Quirke. Another witness, Emmett Kenny, who worked on Quirke's farm from 2009, testified that he knew of the tank where the body was found, believing it to be an old septic tank. Kenny noted that cattle walked on the concrete slabs covering it without issue. He also recalled Quirke leaving for the bank holiday weekend when Ryan went missing in June 2011. The prosecution alleges Quirke murdered Ryan to rekindle an affair with Ryan's girlfriend, Mary Lowry. The trial is ongoing before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury.
A 37‑year‑old woman, Laura Kenna, was found guilty of attempting to murder civil servant Fionnuala Burke on Lower Drumcondra Road on 3 January 2017. Kenna, who had no fixed abode, attacked Burke while she was walking home from work, slashing her neck with a knife. The wound penetrated muscle and the thyroid gland, requiring surgery and intensive care. Kenna pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both the attempted murder and assault causing serious harm charges. During the trial, two psychiatrists presented conflicting views: the defence psychiatrist, Dr Stephen Monks, testified that Kenna suffered from schizoaffective disorder and was delusional, while the State psychiatrist, Professor Harry Kennedy, argued she was not delusional and acted out of anger. After 2 hours and 23 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty on both counts. The case was sent to sentencing, with a victim impact statement to be considered on 25 March.
In a legal dispute over the selection of a representative to the board of Horse Racing Ireland, the Minister for Agriculture has invited submissions from both parties. Businessman James Gough, who has served as the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners' (AIRO) nominee to the board since 2015, has initiated High Court proceedings, alleging that AIRO's Council has prevented his name from being put forward to the 2000‑strong membership and that another person's name has been presented as the nominee. Gough seeks an injunction to restrain AIRO from holding a general meeting solely to elect a nominee until the Minister determines the matter, and also seeks an order preventing AIRO from nominating a member to the board. AIRO, represented by Frank Crean BL, maintains that its nomination process follows the organisation's rules and has denied Gough's claims. The Minister, noting the dispute, has agreed to accept submissions from both sides on the appropriate method of election.
A farmer from near Strokestown in County Roscommon has initiated High Court proceedings against KBC Bank and several related parties following an attempted eviction of his family home in December 2018. David McGann, represented by solicitor and counsel, is seeking various declarations and orders, including preventing any party from taking possession of the property. The eviction attempt attracted significant national attention after security operatives were forced from the property by masked individuals. That incident, which resulted in alleged assault on security personnel, vehicle fires, and the death of a dog, remains under Garda investigation. The McGanns subsequently regained access to their home. Mr McGann's action names KBC Bank, Trinity Asset Managerial Services Ltd, GS Agencies Ltd, Local Authority Services Ltd, and Aidan Devlin, whom he alleges are bank agents, alongside the County Registrar of Roscommon. He seeks declarations that the defendants acted unlawfully and breached his constitutional rights and European Convention protections during the December execution attempt, and claims damages for trespass and defamation.
During the murder trial of 50‑year‑old farmer Patrick Quirke, forensic entomologist Dr John Manlove testified that the tank containing the remains of DJ Bobby Ryan was opened weeks before Quirke claimed to have found the body on 30 April 2013. Dr Manlove identified common blow fly larvae in Ryan's chest cavity and on his back, all at the same developmental stage, indicating infestation at least 11 days before discovery. He noted that the small number of larvae and absence of other insects suggested the body was not exposed for long. An engineer's report, shown to him, stated the tank would be sealed by two concrete slabs, and that muck and cow waste placed over the slabs would prevent flies from entering or exiting. Dr Manlove concluded that the tank was opened earlier than Quirke's stated date, contradicting the accused's account. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Patrick Quirke, aged 50, told Garda Conor Ryan that his farm at Fawnagowan had only two slurry tanks. Ryan, who visited the farm in June 2011, observed Quirke emptying a slatted‑floor cattle shed tank and an open tank containing a small quantity of slurry. Quirke confirmed there were no other tanks. The court heard that Quirke is charged with the murder of DJ Bobby 'Mr Moonlight' Ryan, who was found in an underground run‑off tank on the farm in April 2013. Quirke pleaded not guilty. Garda Ryan described the scene on the day the body was discovered, noting a vacuum tanker with a neutral handle and a heavily crusted slurry tank. He also recounted moving the tanker and emptying about 100 litres of soiled water onto the ground. The trial continued with Justice Eileen Creedon presiding and a jury of twelve.
In February 2019 the High Court heard a dispute brought by James Gough, the long‑time nominee of the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) to the board of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). Gough, who has represented AIRO on the HRI board since 2015, claims that AIRO's Council has prevented his name from being put forward to the membership and that another person has been nominated instead. He argues that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine must decide the matter and that AIRO should not proceed with the nomination of the other person until a ministerial decision is made. AIRO's lawyers counter that the nomination is valid, follows the organisation's rules, and that Gough has no right to bring proceedings. Gough seeks orders to restrain AIRO from holding a general meeting to elect a nominee and from nominating a member to the HRI board.
A 55-year-old mechanic from Castleblayney, County Monaghan, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself as the Irish Republican Army at the Special Criminal Court. James Joseph Cassidy of Tullycollive faces the charge relating to September 2016. The prosecution outlined that gardaí discovered a metal tube during a search of his property in the remote border area, which they allege forms part of an improvised explosive device. The tube was located in a cow shed on the gated property, which featured extensive security measures. Prosecutors indicated evidence would include three mobile phones and items of Republican material recovered at the scene, alongside alleged associations with convicted IRA members. A garda witness testified to photographing the cylindrical metal object at the property. The defence suggested the item was visible rather than hidden and queried whether other metal found at the location could be definitively identified. The trial continues before Justices Tony Hunt, Patricia Ryan, and Ann Ryan.
Ger Hehir, 58, of Drumcavan, Ruan, Co. Clare, was convicted after a seven‑day retrial in November of four sexual assaults and one rape of a teenage girl between 2010 and 2013. The offences occurred at his home and at horse events across the country. Hehir pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. Mr Justice Robert Eagar sentenced him to seven years' imprisonment for the rape, suspending the final 18 months on condition of participation in a sexual offender programme and good behaviour for three years after release. He also received five years' imprisonment for each sexual assault, all concurrent and back‑dated to 21 November when Hehir entered custody. The court heard the victim was 16 at the time of the first assault and that she endured repeated sexual contact, including rape, over the period. Hehir had no prior convictions.
Patrick Byrnes, 78, of Castletroy, Limerick, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court after being convicted by a jury last July of 58 charges of indecent assault and two counts of rape. The offences, which occurred between 1975 and 1985, involved the sexual abuse of his two daughters when they were approximately seven years old. Byrnes denied all charges and maintains his innocence. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted the victims lived in abject fear and were left broken by the decade-long abuse, which included instances where Byrnes encouraged a family dog to participate in sexual acts. The judge acknowledged Byrnes' health conditions, including heart disease and osteoarthritis, but stated these could be managed in prison. Citing a lack of remorse and refusal to admit responsibility, the judge identified Byrnes' age as the only mitigating factor. He set a headline sentence of nine years for rape and six years for sexual assault, reducing both by one year due to age. All sentences run concurrently. The judge suspended the final two years of the sentence on the condition that Byrnes is not in the company of any woman under the age of 18 unless accompanied by another adult. The complainants waived anonymity to ensure Byrnes was named, stating they will never forgive him.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Eoin Berkley, 25, admitted to raping an 18‑year‑old Spanish student at the Irish Glass Bottle Company site between 15 and 16 July 2017. The victim, who had come to Ireland to improve her English, was tied up, threatened with death, and raped three times over a 21‑hour period. Berkley used a dog leash to bind her hands, threatened to cut her hands off, and gave her tablets before abusing her. He told her he would not kill her until Monday and threatened to throw a rock at her head if she tried to escape. The victim escaped when Berkley fell asleep on the beach. Medical tests found morphine, codeine and cannabis in her body; she suffered bruising and required medication for months. Berkley's prior convictions include unlawful possession of knives and firearms, threatening and abusive behaviour.
Laura Kenna, aged 34 and without a fixed abode, was arrested on suspicion of slicing the throat of civil servant Fionnuala Burke on Lower Drumcondra Road on 3 January 2017. Kenna pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to attempted murder and assault intending serious harm. The prosecution argued that Kenna attacked Burke, who was walking home from work, by pushing her onto a grassy area and stabbing her with a knife. Burke suffered a deep cut across her neck, penetrating muscle and the thyroid gland, and was treated in intensive care. Kenna was later arrested in Tallaght, where she was found with blood on her clothing, a knife and items belonging to Burke. She admitted to the attack, describing it as "slicing her like you would a goat." The case was opened at the Central Criminal Court, with the jury instructed to consider Kenna's state of mind. The trial was scheduled to continue before Mr Justice Robert Eagar.
A County Roscommon farmer has been jailed for three weeks for contempt of a High Court order at the High Court in Dublin. Mr Justice Michael Twomey imposed the sentence on Eugene Costello for failing to remove livestock from 90 acres of farmland at Coolfree, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe. Carlisle Mortgages Ltd brought the proceedings, claiming Mr Costello obstructed the sale of the property by keeping cattle on it. The lender sought to sell the land after Mr Costello allegedly failed to repay borrowings from 2004, with approximately €1.4 million outstanding. Mr Costello had undertaken to remove the animals by August 25th but failed to do so. He accepted non-compliance with previous undertakings, though his solicitor disputed whether the livestock in photographs belonged to his client. The judge declined to continue a previously imposed stay on the committal order. This marks Mr Costello's third jailing for contempt in connection with the matter.
Michael McDonald Agu, 56, of Avondale Park, Mulhuddart, was jailed for four years after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply at his home on 31 January 2018. He had received a "Hello Kitty" stuffed toy from Thailand that contained nearly €200,000 worth of cannabis. Agu also admitted possession of cocaine for sale or supply at the same location and dangerous driving. Garda Alan Barry testified that after receiving the package Agu made a phone call, then drove off with it, breaking stop signs and driving on the wrong side of the road in a residential area. During his arrest, gardaí found €5,000 worth of cocaine on Agu when it fell from a beanie hat he was wearing, along with a drugs tick list, bagging and weighing scales. Customs officers had intercepted the soft toy at customs, where a sniffer dog had detected cannabis.
Joseph Fraser, a 42‑year‑old Dublin businessman, was remanded in custody pending a November sentencing after he violently attacked a mother‑of‑two. Fraser had been dating the woman for a few months when he drove to her home drunk. The victim hid Fraser's car keys to prevent him from driving again, which angered him. He then punched her in the ribs, face and head, and kicked her in the head with a steel‑toe shoe. The assault continued through the hallway, kitchen and back garden, and the victim tried to escape by locking herself in a dog cage. Fraser's previous convictions for drunk driving were noted. Judge Melanie Greally stated that a custodial sentence was "absolutely unavoidable" and remanded Fraser pending the final sentence. The victim's injuries included bruising, black eyes and lasting pain, and she reported flashbacks and social withdrawal following the attack. The case is still pending sentencing. The unnamed woman pleaded guilty.
In 2018, a 41‑year‑old woman recounted how a local horse trader, John Phelan, 54, ended her aspiration to become a vet by raping her during school holidays in 1992–1993. She had taken a summer job caring for animals on farms, hoping to prepare for her future, but Phelan abused her while she was 14–16. He pleaded guilty to four sexual assault charges and two rapes, and was already serving a seven‑year sentence for earlier abuse of a girl aged nine to eleven. The court heard that Phelan began with inappropriate questions, then progressed to kissing, fondling, and digital penetration. He also forced her to wear a one‑piece swimsuit to facilitate molestation. The victim, who had not spoken out until the trial, described lasting trauma, depression, and a loss of trust in men. She thanked Garda Michael Kennelly and others for their support. Phelan was remanded in custody, with sentencing pending. John Phelan was convicted.
In July 2018, Heritage Bloodstock Ltd of Cahir, Co. Tipperary, withdrew a High Court action that had sought to allow its horse, Heritage Vittorio, to compete in the five‑year‑old competition at the Dublin Horse Show and to exclude Indigo VDL, owned by Mr. Ivor Broderick of Loughrea, Co. Galway. The company had argued that Indigo VDL was ineligible because it was not Irish‑bred and was not on the Department of Agriculture's approved breeding list for 2018, and that its participation would breach the RDS's rules. Heritage Bloodstock had obtained a short‑notice injunction and sought declarations that Indigo VDL did not meet the qualifying criteria. The case was adjourned for a costs hearing, and the action was formally withdrawn before the judge's decision on costs. The withdrawal left the status of the two horses at the Dublin Horse Show unresolved.
Mark Carlyle, a former All Ireland junior boxing champion aged 28, was sentenced to three years in custody for unlawfully possessing a sawn‑off shotgun in Pearse Park, Crumlin, on 21 June 2015. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The court noted his 108 prior convictions, including assault and obstruction of a garda, threatening behaviour, intoxication in public, dangerous driving and allowing a horse to pose a danger. Judge Martin Nolan highlighted Carlyle's early boxing success and subsequent poor choices, citing his alcohol misuse as a factor in his career decline. Carlyle was found with a 12‑gauge semi‑automatic shotgun wrapped in plastic, which was discovered in undergrowth after a witness heard a bang and called the police. The gun was seized, and forensic tests revealed firearms residue on Carlyle's clothing. The judge back‑dated the custodial sentence to last May.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Joseph Rafferty, aged 38, was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment for a cocaine‑fuelled rampage that lasted eight hours and covered 45 km. Rafferty seized multiple vehicles at gunpoint, pursued Gardaí in a high‑speed chase, and committed false imprisonment, aggravated burglary, threats with a sub‑machine gun and reckless endangerment. He pleaded guilty to burglary at Watergate Estate, assault of a homeowner, criminal damage, two carjacking counts, three counts of possessing a sub‑machine gun, unlawful possession of 9 mm Luger ammunition and reckless endangerment. He also admitted stealing a vehicle from Carroll and Roche Subaru. The judge noted his 34 prior convictions and reduced a potential 14‑year sentence to nine years, citing guilty pleas and remorse. No serious injuries were reported, though a man sustained a head laceration during a break‑in. The case highlighted the extensive police response, including 50 Gardaí, air support and the Garda Dog Unit.
Felicity O'Kelly, wife of Circuit Court judge Eugene O'Kelly, has filed a lawsuit in the High Court alleging that farmer John Brew of Tarmon, Kilkee, has been trespassing on her property, specifically the site of a former creamery at Termon West, Kilkee, which she owns in her sole name. O'Kelly claims Brew has left cattle on the disputed land, causing them to wander onto the main road, and that he has installed fencing and a lock on a gate to her property. She seeks an injunction to prevent further trespassing, to remove any fencing, locks, and animals from the land, and for damages. The High Court, on an ex‑parte basis, granted O'Kelly permission to serve short notice of the proceedings and adjourned the case to a June hearing. The matter, normally a Circuit Court case, is being heard in the High Court because Judge O'Kelly sits on that division of the courts.
Cian Walsh, 30, from Cork, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a firearm and three counts of threatening to kill in September 2016. He was originally sentenced to six years in prison, with two years suspended, by Judge Gerard O'Brien. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal, in a three‑judge panel headed by Mr Justice George Birmingham, re‑sentenced Walsh to five years in prison, adding an extra 12 months. The appeal was based on the fact that Walsh had a loaded sawn‑off shotgun with the safety off, was intoxicated, and threatened a woman. During the incident, one round discharged when he "tripped over the family dog". After the incident he fled in a vehicle, left the gun at St Joseph's Cemetery, and was apprehended shortly thereafter.
In a case heard by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Antal Fekete, aged 51, was found guilty of one count of false imprisonment after he forced his estranged wife into the back of his car on 21 March 2016. Fekete claimed he had taken her to show her their dog, but she shouted and screamed, prompting witnesses to call the Gardaí. She escaped, was later re‑locked, and Fekete drove away with her still inside. He was arrested at their home on Harold's Cross Road, where the Gardaí rescued his wife. Fekete pleaded guilty and received a six‑month sentence, which was suspended in its entirety. The judge noted the couple had reconciled shortly after the incident and were now "happily married." The court emphasized that false imprisonment remains a serious offence.
During a Charleton tribunal hearing, former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan was alleged to have referred to whistleblowers Sergeant Maurice McCabe and John Wilson as "headbangers" after giving evidence to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on penalty‑point abuses. John McGuinness TD, who chaired the PAC, testified that Callinan told him a story about Wilson and a horse, then described McCabe as a "fiddler with kids" and a "kiddie fiddler". McGuinness said he listened privately and did not comment, believing the remarks were for his benefit. He also recounted a separate meeting at a hotel where Callinan claimed McCabe had sexually abused his family and that an investigation was underway. McGuinness maintained he had no knowledge of these allegations before the meeting and that he had not shared them with other committee members. The tribunal heard that Callinan denied the conversation had occurred and that he had only spoken to McGuinness privately.
James Maher, 64, of Cherry Orchard Green, Ballyfermot, was found guilty of six counts of sexually abusing his nephews between 1980 and 1984. The nephews, aged eight to thirteen at the time, waived anonymity and described the abuse as "like an animal." One nephew said he had considered murdering Maher but decided against it, stating he would "answer to God." Maher's sentence of nine years was upheld by the Court of Appeal, with the final year suspended due to his age, health, guilty plea and lack of prior convictions. The Court confirmed an eight‑year custodial term was within the sentencing range of six to nine years. The appeal was dismissed, with the judges noting the premeditated, systematic and prolonged nature of the offences and their long‑term detrimental effects on the victims. The decision was made by a three‑judge panel including Mr Justice Alan Mahon.
In the Special Criminal Court, Patrick Hutch, aged 25, pleads not guilty to the murder of Mr Byrne, aged 34, at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016. Hutch also denies possession of three AK‑47 assault rifles linked to the shooting. The prosecution alleges Hutch was the man dressed as a woman in a photo taken outside the hotel, and that he was part of a shared intention to commit the offence, though he did not fire the gun. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argues that the identification of Hutch by detectives Fergal O'Flaherty and Jonathan Brady was "sullied and tainted", based on flawed evidence and unfair procedure. He requests exclusion of the identification, citing lack of reliable records, ambiguity in the detectives' statements, and the absence of a clear, documented identification process. The court will hear further submissions tomorrow before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Ann Ryan.