In the Charleton tribunal, Sunday Times investigative journalist John Mooney testified that he was never briefed negatively about Garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. He said that former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor had alleged that he was directed to smear McCabe, but Mooney denied receiving any negative briefings or instructions to do so. Mooney noted that former commissioners Martin Callinan and Nóirín O'Sullivan denied any smear campaign and that the Director of Public Prosecutions had not pursued prosecution after a 2006 Garda investigation found no evidence of a crime. He also mentioned that both commissioners had threatened to sue him over articles he had written, but he did not believe they would have provided confidential information to undermine him. Mooney described a fleeting reference to an allegation against McCabe made by a civilian, which he investigated and found to be unfounded. He stressed that McCabe was still serving and not suspended, indicating the rumor was baseless.
In a High Court case involving the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA), Judge Úna Ní Raifeartaigh directed the ICA's lawyers to submit proposals by Tuesday to address concerns raised by Ms Patrica Madden, a 39‑year member who has represented herself. Madden has obtained a temporary injunction preventing the ICA from filling vacancies on its Board, including national president, treasurer, secretary and regional presidents, after alleging that the 2018 national elections were conducted in breach of the ICA constitution. She claims the ballot papers were sent to the wrong people and that the ICA failed to conduct a proper postal vote at the AGM in May. The ICA's counsel, Frank Beatty SC, acknowledged that two temporary appointments were made to keep the organisation running, but no further appointments will be made until the case is heard. The judge set a deadline for proposals and indicated that if they are not accepted, the case will be listed for hearing next Wednesday.
The High Court appointed Mr Neil Hughes as interim examiner for Yvolve Sports Limited, a toy‑making firm employing 41 people in Ireland. The appointment followed a request to protect a key contract with US retailer Walmart after the bankruptcy of a major customer, Toy R Us, caused cash‑flow problems. Yvolve also faced a dispute between its Irish directors and those based in Taiwan. An independent expert report said the company was insolvent but could survive if steps such as appointing an examiner were taken. Ross Gorman, representing Clovergade Ltd, a 36% shareholder, first applied for Hughes' appointment. Sino Foreign Trading Company, owning 49% of Yvolve, later sought Mr John McStay as examiner, but the court chose Hughes because his application was earlier. The case was adjourned to 15 June 2024.
In a High Court hearing, the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) secured a ruling that the Irish National Media (INM) must pay costs for its unsuccessful judicial review, which sought to quash the ODCE's application to appoint inspectors to investigate alleged data breaches and other concerns at the media group. Judge Seamus Noonan found INM's claim that it had a right to be consulted before a public body could initiate legal action to be novel and unsustainable. He awarded costs to the ODCE, noting that the judicial review and the inspector appointment application were legally distinct matters. The ODCE's request followed a year‑long investigation triggered by protected disclosures from former INM CEO Robert Pitt and CFO Ryan Preston, covering alleged data breaches, a proposed purchase of Newstalk Radio, and a proposed fee payment to Island Capital. The application to appoint inspectors is set for a hearing before Justice Peter Kelly on 10 July.
During the Charleton tribunal, journalist Debbie McCann was asked to disclose phone conversations she had with former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor. McCann declined, citing journalistic privilege and the need to protect confidential sources. She explained that not all her interactions with Taylor were on the record and that she had an obligation to safeguard her sources. McCann also stated that she had not been briefed negatively about Sergeant Maurice McCabe by any Garda officer and that she had no evidence of an orchestrated smear campaign against him. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Peter Charleton, emphasized the importance of truthfulness, while McCann maintained her refusal to reveal off‑record conversations. The tribunal was scheduled to resume on Monday.
Two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16 at the time, used hammers to "thrash" a metalwork room at Oberstown detention centre for three hours, causing €14,290 of damage. They threatened their teacher and smashed items, threw objects, and used fire extinguishers, resulting in extensive damage. The boys were removed by the Public Order Unit after staff and Gardaí were alerted. Both pleaded guilty to criminal damage at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 14 June 2017. The older boy, now 17, has 36 prior convictions including criminal damage, arson, vehicle seizures, theft and public order offences; the younger boy, now 16, has 28 prior convictions including criminal damage, robbery, burglary, threat to kill and public order offences. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to review reports and structure a suitable sentence. The boys admitted their roles, and Gardaí noted no injuries occurred.
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.
Two senior newspaper editors told the Charleton tribunal that they were not given negative briefings or smears about Garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. The tribunal is examining allegations by former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor that he directed a smear of McCabe. Former commissioners Martin Callinan and Nóirín O'Sullivan deny any smear campaign. Irish Mail on Sunday editor Conor O'Donnell explained that in early 2014 journalist Debbie McCann reported an alleged sexual impropriety against McCabe to her news editor Robert Cox, who passed it to O'Donnell. O'Donnell authorised McCann to approach the D family, but the family declined to speak to a reporter. O'Donnell said he had no knowledge of any negative briefing and that nothing was printed. Journalist Alison O'Reilly claimed McCann told her that editor Sebastian Hamilton stopped the story, but O'Donnell said he did not know McCann's source.
In early June 2018, a group of Irish hospital consultants filed breach‑of‑contract claims against the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the State, alleging that the 2008 consultants' contract was breached when promised pay increases were not honoured. The claims centred on the agreed salary rises that were to accompany a shift from a 37‑hour to a 39‑hour work week starting July 2008. The State and the HSE opposed the claims, warning that a successful outcome could require payments of up to €700 million. Judge Úna Ní Raifeartaigh scheduled the hearing of the lead cases for several weeks, but adjourned the proceedings to the following Tuesday to allow the parties to continue negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute. The adjournment was intended to facilitate ongoing talks and was expected to be brief, with the judge noting that the practical difference between a start on Tuesday or Friday was minimal.
Lorcan Bourke, a descendant of composer Peadar Kearney, withdrew his application for a High Court injunction against receiver Anne O'Dwyer of Duff Phelps Ireland Ltd. The injunction had been sought to restrain the receiver from selling items in Bourke's Bar, including a signed original copy of Amhrán na bhFiann. Bourke had argued that the receiver should not sell the chattels and that he needed to know the identity of the new owners, who had purchased the bar in December 2017. O'Dwyer had claimed that Bourke had no possession of the items and that the receiver had informed him that he could collect any items. The judge, Ms Justice Caroline Costello, accepted O'Dwyer's arguments and granted her costs for the injunction proceedings, while putting a stay on the costs order pending the outcome of the plenary hearing.
In October 2016 a document listing "nasty questions" that Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan might face was prepared for the Garda press office. Superintendent John Ferris, who worked in the press office, said the list was created at the request of either himself or Andrew McLindon, the force's director of communications. The document was produced by a consultant providing press‑office expertise. Barrister Michael McDowell, representing whistle‑blower Sergeant Maurice McCabe, argued that the list showed the press office was aware of and discussing issues surrounding McCabe, rather than merely issuing bland statements. The Charleton tribunal is examining allegations that senior Gardaí smeared the whistle‑blower to politicians, journalists and others. The DPP had directed no prosecution after a 2006 sexual‑assault allegation against McCabe, stating no offence had been disclosed. Ferris was questioned about queries sent to the press office in 2016 and 2017 concerning McCabe.
Yvolve Sports Limited, a toy‑making firm employing 41 people in Ireland, has applied for examinership. The company, known for its 'Flicker' scooter and other outdoor and sports products, is insolvent largely because its major customer, Toy R Us, filed for bankruptcy in the United States, leaving Yvolve with a US$1.3 million debt and severe cash‑flow problems. The court heard that an independent expert report indicates Yvolve could survive if an examiner is appointed and certain steps are taken, including securing new investment, restructuring the board and gaining creditor approval of a scheme of arrangement. The proposed examiner is Mr Neil Hughes of Tilly Hughes Blake. The matter was adjourned by Ms Justice Caroline Costello to a later date in the month. Yvolve's shareholders include Clovergade Ltd (36 %), Diamondsideltd and Sino Foreign Trading Company.
Journalist Michael Clifford told the Charleton Tribunal that he was initially shocked when he first learned of allegations of sexual abuse against Sergeant Maurice McCabe in early 2014. Mr Clifford said he heard the allegations on three separate occasions from different sources and investigated them, concluding they were without foundation. He told the tribunal that former garda superintendent David Taylor had indicated that text messages seized during a garda inquiry contained evidence of a smear campaign against the whistleblower. However, Superintendent Taylor subsequently told the tribunal that no such text messages existed and that any negative briefings about Sergeant McCabe were given verbally. Former garda commissioners Martin Callinan and Nóirín O'Sullivan have denied a smear campaign occurred. Three journalists, including former Irish Examiner editor Tim Vaughan and RTÉ correspondent John Burke, testified they did not receive negative briefings about Sergeant McCabe. The tribunal, examining allegations that senior gardaí smeared the whistleblower, continues its proceedings.
Patricia Madden, a barrister and long‑time ICA member, has applied to the High Court for an injunction to stop the Irish Country Women's Association from destroying ballot papers from its 2018 national elections for executive posts. She argues that the ballots, which were mailed with a closing date of 27 April, have not been counted and no declaration of winners has been made, a breach of the ICA's Constitution. The election results should have been announced before the AGM in Athlone on 26 May. Madden says she was informed by the ICA's Procedures Committee Chair that the ballots would be destroyed at the earliest opportunity. The ICA's lawyer gave an undertaking that the ballots would not be destroyed, and the judge adjourned the case to a later date in the month. The injunction seeks to restrain any destruction or interference with the returned ballots.
At the Charleton tribunal, Labour leader Brendan Howlin testified that he felt obliged to place information received from journalist Alison O'Reilly on the Dáil record in February 2017. Mr Howlin said Ms O'Reilly had relayed allegations of sexual abuse against Sergeant Maurice McCabe, which she claimed colleague Debbie McCann attributed to senior garda figures. He stated he made clear his uncertainty regarding the veracity of these allegations, which the tribunal would investigate. Ms O'Reilly gave evidence describing her conversations with Ms McCann about the matter and her subsequent contacts with Sgt McCabe and former garda John Wilson, both of whom denied the allegations. She expressed belief that Ms McCann was being used to disseminate information. The tribunal is examining claims of a coordinated campaign against the whistleblower garda. Ms McCann has denied the conversations described by Ms O'Reilly.
Three separate High Court applications seeking to quash An Bord Pleanála's decision to grant planning permission for a 500-unit housing development near St Anne's Park in north Dublin were mentioned before Mr Justice David Barniville. The applicants, including Clonres CLG, Peter Sweetman, and John Conway, challenge the board's approval of 104 houses and 432 apartments on lands formerly used by St Paul's College as playing pitches. The developers, Crekav Trading and Marlet, are notice parties. The applicants seek orders quashing the decision and declarations that the board failed to conduct an Appropriate Assessment regarding natural habitats and wild flora and fauna, and failed to comply with the Birds Directive. The proceedings also name Ireland, the Attorney General, and the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht as respondents. Mr Justice Barniville, assigned to fast-track strategic infrastructure development (SDI) challenges, noted that while the case may not strictly fit the SDI definition, it aligns with the spirit of the list. He indicated that hearing the actions could save parties time but required input from other parties, including the board and developers, on whether to admit the cases to the SDI list. The judge adjourned the actions for one week to allow all sides to consider their positions regarding the fast-track listing.
Stephen Costello, 47, and his wife Karen from Woodstown Gardens, Knocklyon, sued the Garda Commissioner for damages over alleged trespass, intimidation and harassment. They claimed a 2005 injunction had restrained Gardaí from entering their home without a warrant or a household member's request. The Commissioner denied the claims. The case was scheduled to begin but was adjourned over medical reports. After negotiations, the parties settled, and the case was struck out. The settlement was confidential. Costello alleged that Gardaí had harassed him since the 1990s, including arrests, searches, and strip‑searches, and that the harassment had caused distress, health problems, and affected his work and family life. The Commissioner denied all allegations of harassment. The High Court accepted the settlement and dismissed the case.
In a tribunal hearing on 30 May 2018, former Sunday Independent editor Ann Harris explained that she had investigated an allegation of sexual abuse against Garda whistle‑blower Sergeant Maurice McCabe in 2013 and found it groundless. She said the DPP had directed no prosecution after a Garda investigation. Harris also reported that she had not dealt with Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor or Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan, and that she had shut down a repeated allegation she had investigated. She described an editorial conference where rumours about McCabe were discussed, noting that the story could never be published for legal reasons. Harris said the allegations were "vague" and "inappropriate", and that the tribunal was examining whether a Garda campaign had smeared McCabe. The hearing focused on the status of the allegations and the lack of evidence supporting them.
In a hearing before the Charleton tribunal, former Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan denied any attempt to influence RTÉ's coverage of the O'Higgins report on complaints against whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. She said she had never sought to shape media coverage and was unaware of any directive from former Commissioner Martin Callinan to brief the press negatively. O'Sullivan explained that she first learned of McCabe in 2008 during a briefing as assistant commissioner of human resources and that she had not heard further about the Miss D allegation after leaving that post. She stated she had no knowledge of alleged comments by Callinan to TDs or the Comptroller and Auditor General, and that she did not trust press officer Superintendent David Taylor. The tribunal considered whether she had influenced RTÉ broadcasts on 9 May 2016, to which she replied she had not.
Former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan appeared before the Charleton tribunal to deny allegations that he told TD John McGuinness that Sergeant Maurice McCabe had abused his family. Callinan said the claim was "absolutely false" and that he had never made any derogatory remarks about McCabe. He explained that McGuinness was already aware of a 2006 investigation into McCabe that the Director of Public Prosecutions had closed without prosecution. Callinan also denied directing former press officer Superintendent David Taylor to brief the media negatively on McCabe and said he had not ordered any report compiling complaints against McCabe in 2013. He stated he was unaware of a 2011 circular from Chief Superintendent Colm Rooney and that he had not been involved in any research aimed at discrediting McCabe.
In a hearing before the Charleton tribunal, former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan explained that his use of the word "disgusting" during a 2014 Public Accounts Committee appearance was "isolated and misconstrued" and not directed at whistleblowers. He said the remark was aimed at the manner in which issues were highlighted, expressing strong feelings about the matter. Callinan denied that he had directed media coverage to portray whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe negatively, as alleged by former garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor. He acknowledged McCabe's role in identifying system weaknesses and stated that 2.5 percent of penalty point notices were cancelled, amounting to over 10,000 notices per year. Callinan also rejected a suggestion to make a clarifying statement or give a radio interview, fearing it would exacerbate the problem. The tribunal will resume to hear further evidence from Callinan.
Former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan told the Charleton Tribunal on Friday that he never sought to discredit Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Mr Callinan denied directing press officer Superintendent David Taylor to brief media negatively about the whistleblowing sergeant. He also denied attempting to undermine the Public Accounts Committee following a hotel car park meeting with its chairman after giving evidence on the penalty points controversy. The tribunal is examining allegations that Mr Callinan instructed Superintendent Taylor to damage Sergeant McCabe's reputation. Mr Callinan said he was concerned about a serving garda appearing before the committee and confidential information becoming public. He acknowledged learning of a 2006 allegation against Sergeant McCabe only when the tribunal provided him with the Director of Public Prosecutions' direction not to prosecute, which deemed the matter did not constitute assault. The proceedings continue this afternoon.
During a brief phone call in June 2013, former justice minister Alan Shatter was informed by Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan that a sexual allegation had once been made against whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Callinan said the allegation had been fully investigated and the Director of Public Prosecutions found no basis for prosecution. Shatter noted that Callinan did not raise any concerns about McCabe's motives or intent, and that the allegation was not a matter of public debate. Shatter expressed confusion over rumours about McCabe circulating in Leinster House, stating he had not been made aware of any gossip or allegations. He also mentioned that McCabe had declined to cooperate with an internal Garda inquiry led by Assistant Commissioner John O'Mahoney, despite a letter from his department encouraging cooperation. The conversation highlighted Shatter's belief that McCabe's behaviour may have been influenced by the earlier investigation, but no further details were provided.
In a tribunal hearing, former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor expressed regret for leaking information to the media after leaving his post. He had completed his evidence to the Charleton tribunal, which is examining his claim that former commissioner Martin Callinan directed him to brief the press negatively on whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Callinan denies this. Taylor also alleged that former commissioner Noirín O'Sullivan and civilian communications director Andrew McLindon were the only others aware of Callinan's direction, claims both deny. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Peter Charleton, reviewed newspaper coverage and found no evidence of McCabe being embittered. Taylor admitted he had broken Garda code for over a year, regretting his actions and stating he had not leaked information about Roma children but had shared other cases. He also discussed his removal from the press officer role, his financial difficulties, and his attempts to align with McCabe, which he denies.
In the Charleton tribunal, former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor denied that he was part of a political campaign to undermine former Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan. Taylor said he was not fixated on O'Sullivan or her husband and that his 2016 protected disclosure was not intended to bring down the commissioner. He claimed he was suspended from duty and concerned for his family's income. Taylor also stated he had not told TDs Mick Wallace or Clare Daly that O'Sullivan was a liar, and that he had not compared his situation to that of whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. He said he could not confirm whether O'Sullivan's husband was appointed to an investigation team as a vendetta, but felt it was a probability. The tribunal heard further evidence from Ms. Michelle Taylor, who described a campaign against McCabe but did not accuse O'Sullivan of orchestrating it. The proceedings remain at the evidence stage.
Bel & Bellucci Ltd, operating an Italian restaurant on the ground floor of the Sweepstakes Centre at Ballsbridge, secured a High Court injunction on 16 May 2018 to prevent its landlord, Knockanore Properties, and the security company K-Tech Security from interfering with the premises. The injunction was granted by Ms Justice Caroline Costello after the landlord took possession of the property on Wednesday morning without prior notice, citing alleged historic rent arrears of over €140,000. The restaurant, represented by Dylan West Bl, argued the matter was urgent and that the landlord's forfeiture notice issued in April was disputed and waived because the company had continued to make full rental payments. Mr Robbie Fox, a director of Bel & Bellucci, claimed the illegal repossession caused financial and reputational damage, forcing staff to be sent home and disrupting customer reservations.
In the Charleton tribunal, former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor admitted that a smear campaign he claimed was directed by former Commissioner Martin Callinan against whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe was a failure. Taylor said he had been instructed to brief journalists negatively about McCabe, but the tribunal found little negative coverage in newspapers. He also alleged a 2006 complaint by a woman, Miss D, about historic abuse by McCabe, which the Director of Public Prosecutions declined to prosecute after a Garda investigation found no evidence of a crime. Phone records presented by Rossa Fanning SC showed no calls from Taylor to journalist Paul Williams on the days in question, contradicting Taylor's claim of briefing. Taylor maintained his evidence was true, while the tribunal's chairman noted the lack of specific instances of negative briefings. The tribunal also considered journalistic privilege claims from reporters who said they had not received negative briefings about McCabe.
Harcourt Developments Unlimited, an Irish‑based developer employing over 800 people, has applied to the High Court for an injunction to stop the UK firm Crest Nicholson (South West) Limited from filing a winding‑up petition over a disputed £2 million debt. Harcourt claims it is solvent and that Crest's petition is "improper" and motivated by an ulterior aim to force Harcourt to sell its interest in lands in England at a significant undervalue. The dispute stems from a Joint Landowners Agreement (JLA) concerning a development site near Bristol, which broke down in 2015. Harcourt alleges it has paid £1.8 million to Crest under a settlement agreement, but Crest has withheld information and demanded an additional £2 million, which Harcourt says is an unlawful debt‑collection attempt.
In a Charleton tribunal hearing, former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor testified that he no longer believes whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe was motivated by revenge when raising concerns about Garda conduct in the Cavan-Monaghan district and abuses of the penalty points system. Taylor said he had been instructed by former Commissioner Martin Callinan to brief the media negatively on McCabe, claiming McCabe sought revenge after a 2007 investigation into alleged sexual abuse by Miss D, which the Director of Public Prosecutions had found no evidence of wrongdoing. Taylor maintained that the negative briefings were not documented in writing but were delivered as off‑the‑record conversations. He admitted that after his suspension from the Garda Service he realised the briefings were wrong, regardless of their truth. Taylor also denied that he had sent text messages to journalists and said he had not created a media narrative to portray himself as unfairly targeted.
During the Charleton tribunal, former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor denied that journalists were briefed negatively about whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. He claimed he had waived journalistic privilege and encouraged reporters to assist the tribunal. Taylor asserted that he received directions from Commissioner Martin Callinan and Deputy Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan to brief the media negatively, but that the journalists named—Paul Williams, Paul Reynolds, John Burke, Michael O'Toole, and Juno McEnroe—had not received such briefings. He noted that five journalists had never been briefed negatively, and that others claimed privilege. Taylor also mentioned that he had not briefed Michael Clifford and Katie Hannon, who were reporting on McCabe. The tribunal heard that Taylor had informed Commissioner O'Sullivan of a negative story about McCabe and that he had been present when Callinan met RTE journalist Philip Boucher Hayes, though he did not hear their conversation. The tribunal recorded that the journalists simply took the information provided.
A High Court judge has referred an extradition case to the Court of Justice of the European Union to determine how Brexit will affect the transfer of suspects to the United Kingdom. The man, arrested in Dublin over two years ago, faces charges of murder and rape in Northern Ireland. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly granted the referral request made by counsel for the Minister for Justice, finding the matter bound up with issues of mutual trust between jurisdictions. Eight additional cases involving men sought by UK authorities were considered at the same hearing. In February, the Supreme Court had similarly referred another extradition matter to the CJEU, concerning a Roscommon man wanted in connection with a substantial tax fraud allegation in the UK.
In a High Court hearing on 14 May 2018, Justice Carmel Stewart ruled that €1.2 million in cash found in the boot of a car seized during a Garda Intelligence operation was the proceeds of crime. The money was recovered by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in August 2017 from a vehicle driven by haulier John Fitzgerald, who had been stopped at a Garda checkpoint in Ballyvergal, Carlow. After the seizure, CAB obtained a High Court freezing order and placed the cash in a bank account. Grainne O'Neill Bl, acting for CAB, told the judge that the money was linked to illegal cigarettes and drugs and that Fitzgerald had been transporting it out of the country for an unknown recipient. Fitzgerald admitted to Gardai that he had collected the cash and would receive €7,000 for moving it abroad, claiming he was doing so because his own business was in difficulty.
Supt Taylor, the applicant, testified before the Charleton Tribunal that former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan ordered him to brief media that whistleblower Maurice McCabe was motivated by maliciousness and revenge. Supt Taylor alleged he received specific verbal instructions in 2013 to highlight a 2006 abuse allegation against McCabe, which the DPP had declined to prosecute, as the core of McCabe's campaign. Supt Taylor stated he acted on these direct orders due to his rank and respect for the Commissioner. He further claimed that Callinan and then Deputy Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan led a high-level campaign to discredit McCabe. Supt Taylor noted that he believed this campaign ended when Callinan stepped down. He also testified that Callinan was agitated when a journalist visited his private home regarding penalty points, which Callinan deemed a breach of privacy. Supt Taylor clarified that his protected disclosure was not for personal protection but to inform the relevant authority. He stated that any text messages sent to Callinan were background updates, though he acknowledged a discrepancy regarding the transfer of data from his phone, which he gave to his daughter and later donated to charity. The tribunal is currently examining these allegations, which Callinan denies.
The Charleton tribunal was told that no files exist on garda computer systems portraying whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe or former press officer Superintendent David Taylor as targets or suspects. Peter Kirwan, a former detective chief superintendent who worked in the Security and Intelligence Section, conducted searches of garda databases and systems at the tribunal's direction. His report confirmed there were no documents presenting either man in a derogatory light. Files in the intelligence section referenced Sergeant McCabe only in connection with his participation in a drugs operation in Clones in 2002 and a smuggling investigation in 1989. The tribunal also heard that no lawful authorisation for telephone interception was applied for on Sergeant McCabe between January 2009 and November 2016. The inquiry is examining allegations by Superintendent Taylor that he was directed by former garda commissioner Martin Callinan to brief media negatively on Sergeant McCabe, claims Mr Callinan denies. The tribunal continues next week with Superintendent Taylor's evidence.
In a High Court case over the Christian Brothers' plan to sell part of Clonkeen College's playing grounds for €18 million, Judge Carmel Stewart criticised the conduct of both parties. She described their behaviour as "extremely dim" and said the proceedings, which began on 16 March, had been delayed for almost two months. The judge allowed the school's Board of Management to join the case as a co‑plaintiff, after previously refusing to substitute individual board members. She noted that the board members had sued the Christian Brothers, who deny the sale would harm the 520‑pupil Deansgrange‑based school, and that the congregation opposed the board's claims. Stewart urged the parties to regularise their conduct and progress the litigation, adjourned the matter to June, and warned that both sides had used improper tactics, placing the court in an "invidious" position.
The Charleton Tribunal heard that forensic examinations of garda computer systems and electronic devices yielded no evidence to support allegations by applicant Superintendent David Taylor that he was instructed to provide negative media briefings regarding Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Forensic Service Northern Ireland scientists examined telephones, an iPad, and a laptop used by Supt Taylor, former Commissioner Martin Callinan, and former Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan between July 2012 and May 2014. While some devices contained deleted data or were wiped in accordance with protocol, no relevant files were found on the examined hardware. Searches of Garda HQ systems, including PULSE and FileShare, identified two potentially relevant files concerning Sgt McCabe, but neither related to negative briefing instructions. One file concerned a Fixed Charge Penalty complaint, and the other involved a Tusla notification of suspected child abuse received in May 2014. The tribunal noted that two privileged systems remained unexamined, with evidence on those scheduled for the following day. Supt Taylor is scheduled to begin his evidence next week. The matter is at the hearing stage, with no final determination or sentence issued.
An application by Gayle Killilea Dunne to halt High Court proceedings over property transfers has opened before Mr Justice Brian McGovern. The case stems from the 2013 bankruptcy adjudications of her husband, developer Sean Dunne, in both Ireland and the United States. Official assignee Chris Lehane, acting for Dunne's Irish bankruptcy, brought proceedings alleging fraudulent transfers of assets between the couple in 2005 and 2008. These assets include interests in the "Lagoon Beach" hotel in Cape Town and shares in an entity named "Mavior." Ms Dunne, represented by John O'Donnell SC and Alan Doherty SC, argues the Irish action duplicates US proceedings and should be discontinued under the doctrine of forum non-conveniens. Counsel contended that the US is the sole appropriate jurisdiction for administering the estate. Mr Lehane, represented by Mark Sanfey SC and Paul Gardiner SC, opposes the application, asserting that certain estate issues should be heard in Ireland while others remain in the US. During cross-examination, US attorney Timothy Miltenberger, acting for Chapter 7 trustee Richard Coan, stated that his client was amenable to Irish courts adjudicating on assets outside the US, given the predominantly Irish creditor body. The hearing continues.
In a Charleton tribunal hearing, Sergeant Damien Hogan, a long‑time member of the Garda press office, testified that he grew concerned the office had been compromised and that confidential investigative information was being leaked to journalists. Hogan, who served in the press office from 1994 to 2004 and again from 2009 onward, said he noticed newspaper articles that closely mirrored unpublished incident reports. He described the press office's access to sensitive data and warned that such leaks could jeopardise investigations. Hogan also recounted that former press officer Superintendent David Taylor had been directed by former Commissioner Martin Callinan to brief the media negatively on whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe, a claim Taylor denies. The tribunal heard that Taylor's relationship with the office's communications director was strained, that he was a strict timekeeper, and that he had installed swipe cards in the press office, including on toilets.
In 2014, former Garda press officer David Taylor was found to have made over 11,000 contacts with journalists between September and December, with 2,800 (24 %) involving Irish Sun reporter Eavan Murray. Chief Superintendent Francis Clerkin, who led the inquiry, said Taylor had been instructed to brief journalists negatively about whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe and had also forwarded "Critical Incident Reports" to his personal email. The investigation revealed that Taylor had deleted a large proportion of messages from his phone and personal account, and that a second mobile phone and laptop were seized in February 2015. Taylor was arrested in April 2015 and a file was sent to the DPP recommending prosecution for unlawful disclosure, but the DPP later decided not to prosecute. The tribunal concluded its hearing on the matter in February 2016, with no further disciplinary action taken.
A 20‑year‑old Dublin man, Conor Emmet, was found to possess 5,919 images and 328 videos of child pornography, including graphic material depicting the rape and torture of an 18‑month‑old girl. The material was discovered on two laptops and a phone seized during a Garda raid in May 2016, following an intelligence operation involving the FBI and Europol. Emmet pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of the digital images and movies. The court heard that one video showed a masked female sexually abusing the child, who was gagged, bound, beaten, and subjected to candle wax. Another video showed the child being urinated on. Emmet had first accessed child porn at age 16. The case was adjourned for sentencing until May 11th. The court did not discuss any prior convictions or future outcomes.
The Charleton Tribunal is examining a confidential disclosure by former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor, who alleges that former Commissioner Martin Callinan directed him to brief journalists negatively about whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe between 2012 and 2014. Twelve of fifteen mobile phones used by senior Garda officers—Callinan, O'Sullivan and Taylor—are missing and cannot be supplied to the tribunal. Superintendent Michael Flynn, head of the Garda Telecommunications Unit, explained that metadata for calls and texts was obtained from Three Ireland, but the actual message contents were not stored by the provider. Records from the last seven years were retained by Three for audit purposes and provided to Garda HQ, which also kept landline records for the former commissioners. In March 2017, 24 boxes of telephone printouts covering 426 Garda mobile phones from May 2012 to May 2014 were delivered to Garda HQ. From these, records relating to the officers were extracted and supplied to the tribunal.
Ben Gilroy, an anti‑eviction campaigner, received a one‑month suspended prison sentence for criminal contempt of court after he posted a video on social media in which he described the judge presiding over a contempt case involving a Dublin couple as a "satanic cult member" and claimed the Irish Constitution was "redundant." In the clip, Gilroy also suggested that the judge had "vacated his oath of office," urged people to use the Defence of the Dwelling Act, and said they should "just wait for anyone coming through the door and blow their heads off with a gun." The High Court judge, Tony O'Connor, found the remarks to be contempt and adjourned the matter to allow Gilroy to respond. When the case returned, Gilroy apologized and said the remarks were "out of character." The judge imposed the suspended sentence, which will remain in force for 30 months on the condition that Gilroy does not repeat such statements.
Haulier Cathal Dempsey, a Co Monaghan resident, is suing A&M Commercials Ltd and A&M Commercial Ireland Ltd in the High Court over seven trucks purchased in 2009 and 2011. Mr Dempsey alleges that the defendants sold him vehicles with mileage records of approximately 500,000km, when expert examination suggests some units had nearly 1 million kilometres. He claims this breach of contract caused frequent breakdowns and business damage. The defendants deny these allegations, stating there was no implied condition regarding mileage or reliability, and that the vehicles were not fraudulently altered or unfit for purpose. The case opened before Mr Justice Donald Binchy, with counsel for Mr Dempsey highlighting significant discrepancies in the trucks' odometer readings. However, the judge adjourned the case for two weeks after evidential difficulties arose. The dispute centered on whether technical evidence regarding the alleged mileage could be presented by Mr Dempsey's expert or if it required testimony from other examiners, with the defendants opposing hearsay evidence. Mr Justice Binchy noted the seriousness of the allegations but was not prepared to dismiss the action, resulting in the matter being adjourned rather than concluded.
During the Charleton tribunal, retired Garda Superintendent Paul Moran testified that former press officer Superintendent David Taylor was "bitter" about his transfer from the press office in 2014. Moran said he sensed Taylor's unhappiness from body language and conversation when he took over the post on 10 June 2014. Taylor had claimed he was instructed to brief negatively about Sergeant Maurice McCabe, but his lawyer said he did not express any explicit view to Moran. Moran also described receiving a comprehensive briefing from Taylor and the procedures for handling journalists. Superintendent John Ferris, who worked in the press office, denied knowledge of any negative briefings and said he had no part in a campaign against McCabe. Ferris also recounted difficulties working with Taylor and the removal of Taylor from a media mailing list after his transfer to the traffic section. The tribunal also heard that several newspapers and journalists sought legal representation in the case.
In a High Court case concerning a disputed property purchase on Dublin's Wexford Street, Trebleside Designated Activity Company, owner of the Opium Bar, sued John Hallinan, Geraldine Hallinan, Claire Cullen and TFF Food Limited for allegedly failing to complete a deal entered in March. Trebleside claimed it had an agreement to buy the neighbouring property at 38 and 38a Camden Row for over €1 million. The defendants, who own the ground floor lease of 38 Camden Row where the Fat Fox coffee shop operates, were alleged to have reneged on the agreement. After settlement talks, the parties agreed that the Hallinans would receive €1.1 million for the adjoining property and TFF Food would receive €100,000. The settlement also resolved all related planning and legal matters concerning the operation of Opium and Whelan's Bar, both part of the Mercantile Group. The case was therefore settled before any court order was issued.
In a High Court case, Trebleside Designated Activity Company, owner of Dublin's Opium Bar, has sued John Hallinan, Geraldine Hallinan, Claire Cullen and TFF Food Limited for allegedly failing to complete a purchase agreement for the neighbouring property at 38 and 38a Camden Road, a deal worth over €1m. Trebleside claims the Hallinans entered into the agreement on 27 March, but have since reneged, prompting the company to seek specific performance and injunctions against further objections to the Opium Bar's operations. The defendants have previously contested the bar's noise levels, filing actions in the Circuit Court and High Court, though the Circuit Court case was struck out for lack of jurisdiction. Trebleside also seeks compensation for the property and to resolve outstanding claims. The proceedings were adjourned pending settlement talks and will be re‑heard the following day.
In a dispute over the management of a Galway private medical clinic, Blackrock Medical Partners (BMP) Ltd, controlled by Dr Joseph Sheehan, has brought proceedings against Marpole Ltd, the beneficial owner of Galway Clinic Doughiska, and its majority shareholder Parma Investments Ltd, an entity linked to businessman Larry Goodman. BMP, which holds 25% of Marpole, alleges that Parma has orchestrated oppressive and abusive behaviour towards BMP. The company seeks a declaration that Marpole's affairs and directors' powers are being exercised oppressively, and requests orders for Parma to either buy BMP's shares in Marpole or sell its shareholding to BMP. BMP also seeks consolidation of this action with two other related cases to save court time. The case was admitted to the fast‑track commercial court list by Mr Justice Brian McGovern, who encouraged mediation, and Dr Sheehan expressed willingness to engage further in mediation. The matter is scheduled to return to court later this month.
Denis Harrington, 41, is wanted in the Netherlands for ten alleged fraud or attempted fraud offences relating to a roof‑repair scam involving Irish Travellers. Dutch authorities claim the Travellers approached senior homeowners, claiming roof work was needed, then began work before agreements were made, removing roof tiles and battens and causing deliberate damage and leaks. Harrington was arrested and presented before the High Court under a European Arrest Warrant. Lawyers highlighted ambiguities in the warrant and requested further information. The case was adjourned to 14 May, and Harrington is currently serving a prison sentence in Ireland.
In the High Court, Sean Dunne's barrister Barra McGrory argued that the bankruptcy of the businessman should not be extended because the conduct of the Official Assignee, Chris Lehane, was far below expectations. McGrory contended that Dunne had not ignored his Irish bankruptcy, as alleged, and had opposed it in Irish courts while also facing a dual bankruptcy in the United States. Mark Sanfey SC for Lehane rejected all of Dunne's claims, stating that the businessman had not cooperated until early 2016 and that his cooperation was insufficient to secure discharge. The judge, Ms Justice Caroline Costello, reserved her decision, noting the time‑sensitive nature of the matter. Dunne's Irish bankruptcy, originally due to expire in July 2016, has been extended pending the outcome of this hearing, with a maximum possible extension of five years.
An Irish High Court judge has allowed a former Garda covert informant to use sensitive State documents in his extradition challenge from the UK to France. The informant, who was arrested in France 17 years ago on drug trafficking charges and later sentenced to four years in prison (never served), was detained in England under a European Arrest Warrant issued by French authorities. He seeks to prevent his surrender and has applied to the Irish High Court to use documents obtained from the Garda Commissioner and the State, which he claims will help defeat the extradition request. The State opposed the application, arguing lack of control over the documents and that the request was premature. Justice Marie Baker ruled that special circumstances justified modifying the undertaking, that the English court would provide adequate protection for the documents, and that she would not direct the English court on how to handle them.