In a sentencing hearing at the Central Criminal Court, 22‑year‑old Josh O'Brien pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his ex‑girlfriend, Niamh Kelly, by stabbing her over 50 times on Firhouse Road, Dublin, on 19 September 2024. The attack, lasting up to six minutes, left Kelly with lifelong injuries, including a fragment of the knife still lodged in her skull. O'Brien, who had no prior convictions, claimed he was influenced by voices and had consumed alcohol that day. He admitted feeling betrayed when Kelly turned her back on him. Kelly, aged 21, described the assault as "ferocious, unwarranted, unjustified and unprovoked," and said her life has changed forever, with permanent loss of sight and paralysis in her left leg. The court postponed finalisation to 20 October 2025.
Ruth Lawrence, a Dublin woman with an address in County Meath, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of two men whose bodies were discovered on Inchicup Island in Lough Sheelin in May 2014. The island straddles the borders of Meath, Westmeath and Cavan. At the opening of the trial at the Central Criminal Court, the State outlined its case that Lawrence and her boyfriend worked "as a unit" to kill Anthony Keegan and Eoin O'Connor between April 22 and May 26, 2014. The prosecution contends Lawrence shot one man, with a follow-up shot delivered by her boyfriend. Both men died from gunshot wounds. The State alleges the accused and her boyfriend discussed the murders and disposal of the bodies openly. Evidence will address a debt owed by one defendant to one of the deceased, and activities at the cottage near the lake following the alleged killings. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury, is expected to conclude on November 14.
A 45-year-old woman with an address in County Meath has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder at the Central Criminal Court. Ruth Lawrence is charged with the murder of Anthony Keegan and Eoin O'Connor, alleged to have occurred at an unknown location within the State between April and May 2014. The trial commenced before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of twelve members. The prosecution is led by senior counsel Michael O'Higgins, with the defence represented by Patrick Gageby SC. The trial is expected to conclude by mid-November. Evidence will be heard from members of both deceased's families, forensic specialists, pathologists and mobile phone analysts. The investigation was principally conducted by officers from Kells Garda Station in County Meath, with the missing persons aspect handled by Santry gardaí. Locations of relevance include Ballyjamesduff in County Cavan and an area adjoining Lough Sheelin spanning three counties.
Seven men, aged between 32 and 55, pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to a combined total of 103 charges of sexually abusing a deaf complainant over a 17-year period. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and an extended jury panel of 15, is estimated to last four months. None of the parties can be named for legal reasons. Accused A (55) pleaded not guilty to one count of rape alleged to have occurred between December 2009 and April 2011. Accused B (48) pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including five counts of rape, one count of oral rape, and two counts of anal rape, alleged between December 2008 and December 2010. Accused C (34) pleaded not guilty to 50 charges, comprising 45 counts against the main complainant (22 rape, 23 anal rape) between February 2001 and December 2013, plus five additional charges against two other complainants. Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to 22 counts (19 rape, 3 anal rape) between January 2002 and December 2013. Accused E (32) pleaded not guilty to 16 counts (7 rape, 9 anal rape) between April 2003 and December 2011. Accused F (32) pleaded not guilty to five counts (3 rape, 2 anal rape) between December 2007 and April 2010. Accused G (45) pleaded not guilty to one count of rape between December 1996 and December 1997. The jury was informed the complainant requires two interpreters and an intermediary.
Mick O'Grady, a former Irish Rail stationmaster, claimed he was forced into early retirement after a 2019 incident where he alleged a senior manager accused him of assaulting him. He said the allegation was false and that he never received an apology. The Workplace Relations Commission rejected his constructive dismissal claim under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. O'Grady testified that the dispute arose during a meeting on 27 June 2019, when the district manager's email described him as "very hostile" and that he was sent home three weeks later. An internal investigation found no definitive evidence of assault because no other witnesses were present. The WRC concluded that O'Grady's conduct, including refusing a meeting, led to his dismissal and dismissed the complaint. The decision was issued on 7 October 2025.
Sean McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates last May to face charges of murder and directing a criminal organisation, has been served with a second book of evidence at the Special Criminal Court. McGovern (39), with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22, 2016 at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin. He was served with a book of evidence in relation to this charge earlier this year. Dominic McGinn SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, stated that a second book of evidence was now ready to be served, covering further offences with which McGovern is charged, including directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the same murder between October 20, 2016 and December 22, 2016. He is also charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the surveillance of James Gately in preparation for the commission of an indictable offence between October 17, 2015 and April 6, 2017. Another charge alleges that between October 20 and December 22, 2016 he contributed to or participated in activity intending or being reckless as to whether such activity would facilitate a criminal organisation in the murder of Mr Kirwan. He faces a similar charge of facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder James Gately. Seán Guerin SC, for McGovern, raised an issue with disclosure relating to the lawfulness of McGovern's extradition which has been 'outstanding for a while'. He said the prosecution has now indicated that this would be ready by Friday. Mr McGinn requested that the matter be put back for two weeks. Mr Guerin asked that his client appear by video link on that occasion. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor set a further hearing date of Friday, October 17 and directed that McGovern appear by video link on that date.
In the Special Criminal Court, lawyers for 42‑year‑old James Leen argued that mobile phone evidence supports his innocence. Colm Smyth SC requested an adjournment to allow a mobile‑phone expert to examine devices seized by the gardai. Smyth said the prosecution's case hinges on alleged phone conversations linking Leen to three machines that were imported into Ireland, one of which contained the seized drugs. He contended that further analysis would show Leen was involved with only two of the machines and had no connection to the third. The court agreed to postpone the trial to 19 December to give the defence time to compile its report. Leen faces five charges, including directing a criminal organisation, importing crystal meth, and possession of methamphetamine at Ballyseedy Garden Centre. The State alleges the drugs were imported from Mexico, stored at Ballyseedy, and then moved to Cork for export to Australia.
Seven men, aged between 32 and 55, have gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court, each pleading not guilty to charges of raping a deaf woman. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, is expected to last four months, with a break at Christmas. The judge noted that the complainant requires interpreters and an intermediary, which will slow the proceedings. An extended jury panel of 15 was empanelled, and the trial is set to open next week. Accused A (55) pleaded not guilty to raping the woman between December 2009 and April 2011. Accused B (48) pleaded not guilty to a count spanning December 2008 to December 2010. Accused C (34) pleaded not guilty to raping the woman between February and December 2001, as well as to anally raping another woman between September 2013 and September 2014, and sexually assaulting a third woman between September 2005 and September 2006. Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to a count from December 2006 to December 2007. Accused E (32) pleaded not guilty to a count from April to December 2003. Accused F (32) pleaded not guilty to a count from December 2007 to April 2010. Accused G (45) pleaded not guilty to a count from December 1996 to December 1997. Some accused face further charges next week. No parties can be named for legal reasons.
In a WRC hearing, Aer Lingus's safety director Conor Nolan defended the airline's handling of a safety report linked to veteran pilot Tom O'Riordan, who claimed he was poisoned by toxic fumes during a repositioning flight in June 2023. O'Riordan spent five days in Beaumont Hospital and was dismissed in September. He alleged the report, submitted to the Irish Aviation Authority on 7 June, was falsified and that his name was inappropriately attached. Nolan explained that the aircraft had taxied to the gate when O'Riordan felt unwell, paramedics were called, and a triage process began. He said staff could create reports under crew members' names and that the airline had a 72‑hour window to notify the Authority. Nolan maintained the airline acted reasonably, expecting O'Riordan's later participation, and that the report's authorship was a procedural matter. The case was adjourned for the night.
In a County Galway housing estate, a 16‑year‑old boy pleaded not guilty to three charges of oral rape and one of rape of a 13‑year‑old girl. He was interviewed by gardai in February 2024 when he was 15, with his mother and solicitor present. In the interview he denied all allegations, calling them the "biggest lie" and "bullshit", and said he had never asked the girl for sex. He admitted only lightly pinching her. A forensic examiner testified that the girl had more than 20 bruises, some on her breasts, inner thighs and genital area, and that a bruise in the genital area was "consistent" with painful penetration. The court heard the forensic findings and cross‑examination of the girl's statements, and the trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath and a jury.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 16‑year‑old girl denied that she fabricated a rape story to attract attention. She testified that the 14‑year‑old boy she dated had raped her on four occasions between June and July 2023, including three instances of oral rape and one of rape when she was 13. The incidents allegedly took place in a County Galway housing estate. The girl gave evidence via video‑link, assisted by an intermediary who read her written responses. She described the assault, stating the boy forced her to give oral sex and then raped her, leaving her traumatized. She also explained that she had informed her mother through a Snapchat message on 7 July 2023, claiming the boy had raped her, and that she had told friends about the events. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McGrath, continues with the accused pleading not guilty to the four charges.
In a Workplace Relations Commission hearing, Aer Lingus senior manager Méadbh Gallagher testified that she feared a "Barbara Streisand effect" if an injunction were sought to stop former captain Tom O'Riordan from posting online about his dispute with the airline. Gallagher said the airline had denied O'Riordan's complaints under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. She described a series of disciplinary processes over his social‑media posts, including a letter dated 1 July 2024 warning that posts containing personal data of colleagues could lead to legal action. Gallagher denied that any injunction had been discussed and said the threat was "baseless." The hearing focused on whether the airline's actions constituted whistleblower penalisation and unfair dismissal, with no outcome reported in the article.
In a County Galway court, a 16‑year‑old boy was tried for four charges of sexual assault and rape against a 13‑year‑old girl he had been dating for a few weeks. The boy pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, led by Anne Rowland SC, presented a Snapchat message from the girl to her mother dated 7 July 2023, in which she claimed the boy had raped her and threatened to hit her. She also sent photographs of bruises on her legs and left breast, which she said were caused by the boy. A video of her interview with specialist Gardaí was shown, where she described being forced into sexual acts, including oral rape, and a forced vaginal penetration on a Tuesday. The girl reported bruising, bleeding, and a burning sensation after the alleged assault. The boy admitted to seeing the girl but denied any sexual contact. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath and a jury.
In a Tallaght District Court hearing on 19 September 2025, a man in his 40s was found to have punched his wife and assaulted Garda James Hughes on 14 January 2024 at his home. After a bereavement and heavy drinking, the defendant returned intoxicated, became highly argumentative, and threw an extension cable at his partner, striking her on the eyebrow before punching her three or four times. He then threatened to "bite off his nose" and attacked Garda Hughes, attempting to drag him to the ground and causing a serious head injury. The victim suffered swelling to her right eyebrow and redness to her bottom lip; Hughes sustained a large laceration to the back of his head, blurred vision for two weeks and headaches for two months. The defendant admitted a Section 3 assault under the Non‑Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, and two Section 19 public order offences for assaulting and obstructing gardaí.
In a tribunal hearing on 15 September 2025, broadcaster Colm Ó Mongáin testified that he overheard an RTÉ manager instructing a supervisor to limit shift work for video editor Maebh Keary di Lucia after she requested more secure working conditions. Ó Mongáin, who had worked with Keary di Lucia on RTÉ's News2Day programme in 2008, said he was surprised by the manager's comments and informed Keary di Lucia, who then asked him to record the conversation. Keary di Lucia, aged 25, claims she was misclassified as a contractor from 2004 to 2011, denied statutory entitlements, annual leave, and a long‑service allowance, and seeks nearly €360,000 in employment rights claims under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and the Terms of Employment Information Act 1994.
In a decision published by the Workplace Relations Commission, a youth group committee was found to have discriminated against a trans volunteer, Mr E, by voting to exclude him from working with younger children because of his gender identity. The WRC directed the organisation to pay Mr E €5,000 in compensation for a breach of the Equal Status Act 2000. Mr E had been a leader for about 18 months before discovering in spring 2024 that his trans identity had caused controversy when he applied to volunteer in late 2022. A witness, Ms G, testified that another leader, Mr D, inadvertently disclosed Mr E's identity during the application review, and that two other leaders objected to his assignment to younger groups, citing potential parental concerns. The chairperson called a vote that resulted in Mr E's exclusion from younger groups. Ms G later quit the organisation after the meeting.
Ryan Watson, 32, of Glasgow, pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to conspiring to import controlled drugs worth over €13,000 between 18 December 2024 and 15 January 2025, both inside and outside the State. The case is scheduled for mention on 20 October, when the court will review a probation report, a governor's report, an education report and a urinalysis. Conor Costello, 31, of Derry, also pleaded guilty to the same charge earlier this month. Other defendants include Gary Monks, 40, Miljan Koprivica, 45, and three Filipino men: Hanz Pangahin, 36; Christopher Ampo, 44; and Feljon Lao, 62.
In a High Court hearing on 30 July 2025, construction magnate Maurice Regan, who outbid John Magnier for the Barne Estate in Tipperary, admitted to sending a WhatsApp message in October 2023 to a third party hoping a newspaper article would give Magnier a "heart attack". Regan appeared before Mr Justice Max Barrett and was questioned by Paul Gallagher SC, who represented Magnier. Regan said the message was a "light humour" remark and that he had no knowledge of an exclusivity agreement that had been in place between 31 August and 30 September 2023. He denied funding the Thomson‑Moore defence, claimed he had been blocked from bidding, and said he had never been told of the exclusivity clause. The court heard that Magnier seeks to enforce a €15‑million handshake deal he alleges was signed with Richard Thomson‑Moore, while the estate trustees and Thomson‑Moore deny any such agreement existed. The dispute remains ongoing.
In a High Court hearing, estate agent John Stokes testified about a disputed purchase of the Barne Estate, a 751‑acre Tipperary property. John Magnier, a bloodstock billionaire, claims he secured a €15 million handshake agreement with Richard Thomson‑Moore on 22 August 2023, and is suing Thomson‑Moore and Barne Estate Ltd for the deal's collapse. Stokes denies that he informed trustees of the estate about the offer, stating he had no contact details for them and that any agreement was subject to trustee approval. He also says he received a €50 000 payment in September 2023 intended for the Thomson‑Moore beneficiaries, which was later returned. Stokes describes the negotiations as "head‑wrecking" and notes that an exclusivity period ended when a rival offer of €20 million, later €22.25 million, was made by construction magnate Maurice Regan. The case remains before Mr Justice Max Barrett.
In a Carlow Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 48‑year‑old Charles Dunne of Ace Fencing Ltd pleaded not guilty to two alternative charges: handling a large assortment of stolen power tools and possessing stolen property, both alleged to have occurred on 13 January 2019. He also pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of providing false invoices to Gardaí between January and February 2019, and to attempting to pervert the course of justice by submitting false documents to obstruct a Garda criminal investigation. Gardaí had seized a large quantity of tools from Dunne's yard in Tullow, photographed them, and compiled an inventory. Dunne later supplied about 60 invoices to Gardaí, claiming ownership of the seized tools. Testimony from the auctioneers Ganly Craigie 2000 Ltd and Hennessy Auctioneers highlighted discrepancies between the invoices Dunne provided and the company records, with several invoices containing altered or illegible details. The trial continues before Judge Sinéad McMullan and a jury.
In a High Court hearing on 24 July 2025, the court considered a deleted text message sent by Alexandra McCullough, sister of Richard Thomson‑Moore, which criticised American tycoon Maurice Regan and praised John Magnier as "savvy" and "decent". The message, sent to auctioneer John Stokes on 10 September 2023, described the competition for the 751‑acre Barne estate in Tipperary as a "full on war" and alleged Regan had "thrown a tantrum" over the sale. McCullough said she deleted the message because she feared the disparaging remarks about Regan would become public if the trustees accepted Regan's higher offer. The court heard that McCullough had also received a €50,000 cash gift from Magnier, which she later returned, and that she felt uncomfortable with the cash offer. The case involves Magnier's claim that he had a €15 million hand‑shake agreement with Thomson‑Moore for the estate, a claim the Barne defendants deny.
Lorcan Murphy, a 32‑year‑old Garda of Pearse Street Station, was found guilty of two counts of assault causing harm under the Non‑Fatal Offences Act after assaulting a 17‑year‑old on 1 June 2021. The attacks occurred on Essex Street and at Pearse Street Station. The victim, who suffered a fractured skull, testified that he was intoxicated, had no memory of the incident, and was later treated at Mater, Beaumont and James' Hospitals. CCTV footage showed Murphy approaching the victim, placing handcuffs, and performing a leg sweep that caused the victim's head to strike the ground. The jury, after 4 hours 20 minutes of deliberation, returned unanimous guilty verdicts. Judge Pauline Codd adjourned sentencing to 3 November, remanded Murphy on continuing bail, and ordered a probation report and victim impact statement. No sentencing details were provided in the article. Lorcan Murphy pleaded not guilty.
One of seven men charged with conspiring to import controlled drugs into the country pleaded guilty to the offence at the Special Criminal Court. Conor Costello (31) of Earhart Park, Madamsbank Road, Derry in Northern Ireland admitted to conspiring with others between December 18, 2024 and January 15, 2025, within and outside the State, to import controlled drugs worth in excess of €13,000. The charge is contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The matter was adjourned to October 20, along with the cases of the six co-accused. The other accused include Gary Monks (40) of Amulree Place, Glasgow, Scotland; Ryan Watson (32) of Mailerbeg Gardens, Modiesburn, Glasgow; Miljan Koprivica (45) of Bollin Drive, Manchester; and three Filipino men: Hanz Pangahin (36), Christopher Ampo (44), and Feljon Lao (62). No pleas were entered by the co-accused, and the charges against them remain alleged or contested.
In a Dublin trial, Lorcan Murphy, a 32‑year‑old Garda, pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault causing harm after allegedly fracturing a 17‑year‑old's skull on June 1 2021. The jury, hearing closing speeches and the judge's charge, was urged to consider the Garda's perspective and the possibility that criminalising force might deter officers. Defence counsel Justin McQuade argued that Murphy acted under an honest belief in the necessity of force, even if mistaken, and that the initial use of force during the arrest was not excessive. He highlighted the split‑second decisions required of uniformed officers and suggested that the force used—a leg sweep—was an unfortunate secondary impact. Prosecutor John Gallagher contended that the sweep and subsequent head impact constituted disproportionate force, causing a fractured skull and brain bleed, and questioned whether the level of force was reasonable. The trial continues.
A 16‑year‑old boy, born in January 2009 at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, received a €1.9 million settlement after a High Court approved a claim of medical negligence. The mother sued the HSE for alleged breaches of statutory duty, citing a delayed Caesarean section and abnormal cardiotocography (CTG) readings that were not properly monitored. The child was delivered 80 minutes after the decision to perform the emergency Caesarean, with a 50‑minute delay beyond the usual timeframe. He suffered severe breathing difficulties, hypoxia, and a delayed resuscitation, during which an anaesthetist allegedly interfered with the attending doctor's attempts to intubate. The newborn spent 11 days in intensive care, had an MRI‑confirmed kidney and brain infarct, and was left with severe personal injuries. The settlement was reached without an admission of liability, and the court approved it on the day of the hearing. The family welcomed the outcome and urged a review of maternity care in Ireland.
The trial of Lorcan Murphy, a 32‑year‑old Garda from Pearse Street Station, for assaulting a teenager in 2021 has entered its closing phase at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Murphy pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault causing harm under the 1997 Act. The prosecution has finished calling witnesses; the defence will not present evidence. Judge Pauline Codd will hear closing speeches tomorrow.
A jury of eight men and four women is set to return to the Central Criminal Court to continue deliberating the verdict in the murder trial of Moldovan national Valeriu Melnic, aged 24, who is accused of fatally stabbing Ion Daghi, aged 39, with a kitchen knife on 12 May 2024. Melnic pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury has spent five hours and 52 minutes over two days considering the case and has not yet reached a unanimous verdict. Judge David Keane has advised that they may seek a majority verdict, requiring at least ten jurors to agree, and has asked them to return tomorrow for further guidance on the defence of provocation. The jury is also instructed to consider whether intoxication could negate intent, and whether provocation could reduce the charge to manslaughter. The case remains at the deliberation stage, with no verdict yet announced.
In a Workplace Relations Commission hearing, nail technician Odonchimeg Genenbat, who had been employed for just over a month at Love Your Nails, was awarded €1,000 in compensation for an unfair dismissal. Genenbat was hired on 26 November 2024 and received a termination text on 27 December, without any standard employment documents or payslips. She had requested payslips on 14 December, which were denied, placing her under Section 36 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000. The adjudicator, Michael McEntee, noted that the dismissal lacked proper procedures, interviews or appeals, and that the employer, Colm Tyrell, failed to attend the hearing. Tyrell cited alleged performance issues, but the tribunal found the dismissal arbitrary and awarded the compensation, marking the first such claim under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 to succeed in over two and a half years.
Jamie Moss, 22, of Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to two offences of possessing a 9mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol and one round of ammunition without lawful purpose. The charges relate to an incident on February 16, 2024, at Old Navan Road, Blanchardstown. Moss's co-accused, Sarah Jane Byrne, 27, previously pleaded guilty in June to five offences. These included possession of the same 9mm Makarov pistol and ammunition, as well as 27 rounds of Luger 9mm ammunition, a 12-gauge sawn-off Beretta shotgun, and a Tokarev submachine gun, all allegedly held without lawful purpose at the same location on February 16, 2024. The State requested that the cases be joined, noting Byrne's sentencing hearing is listed for October 20. Defence counsel Carol Doherty BL requested a probation report for Moss, highlighting his recent completion of education. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor directed the preparation of the probation report and remanded Moss on continuing bail. The matter was adjourned to October 20 for sentencing, with the court indicating the proceedings for both accused would be joined at that stage.
In the trial of Lorcan Murphy, a 32‑year‑old Garda, the witness Darragh Fitzpatrick testified that on 1 June 2021 he heard a shout of "knife" and then saw Murphy "spear tackle" a 17‑year‑old teenager to the ground on Essex Street and at Pearse Street Garda Station. Fitzpatrick described the teenager as limp and lifeless after the tackle, and he heard the Garda shout "where is the knife?" before the teenager was handcuffed and placed on the ground. Aileen Fitzmaurice, also present, confirmed that the teenager was face‑down and that the Garda van arrived shortly after. Eoghan Hickey reported hearing the Garda say "drop the knife" repeatedly. Donal Grant, an investigator, presented Murphy's statements, in which Murphy said he had instructed the teenager to remove his hands from his pockets, that the teenager produced a glass bottle, and that Murphy performed a leg sweep to bring the teenager to his feet before handcuffing him. Lorcan Murphy pleaded not guilty.
The case concerns a 17‑year‑old youth with 44 prior convictions who has accused Garda Lorcan Murphy of fracturing his skull. The youth, who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault causing harm, admitted that ten days after the alleged assault by the Garda, he kicked and beat a person at an ATM on O'Connell Street and then stole from their pockets. He also carried out a further assault on a staff member two weeks later. During cross‑examination, the youth claimed he had no recollection of the incidents, attributing memory loss to head injury, alcohol and cannabis. He denied lying in a GSOC interview and stated he had not drunk. Medical evidence showed a skull fracture and brain contusion, and the youth had left hospital against medical advice twice. The trial is ongoing before Judge Pauline Codd.
The High Court trial concerning a disputed €15 million agreement for the 17th-century Barne Estate in Tipperary continued before Mr Justice Max Barrett. Applicants John Magnier, Richard Thomson-Moore, and Century Barne Estate are parties to the litigation, where Mr Magnier seeks to enforce an alleged handshake deal. Mr Thomson-Moore, giving evidence in defence, stated he was "shocked" by an "untoward" offer of two envelopes containing €50,000 in cash, described by the Magnier side as a "luck penny" or token of appreciation. The defendants deny a binding agreement existed, noting that estate trustees ultimately accepted a higher offer from Maurice Regan, who is not a party to the case. Mr Thomson-Moore testified that while a price was agreed, a final deal was not, and that the cash was later returned. Cross-examination focused on lists of the mansion's contents, with the Magnier side suggesting an intent to withhold high-value items from trustees, an allegation Mr Thomson-Moore denied. The matter remains at the trial stage and has not been finalised.
Lorcan Murphy, a 32‑year‑old serving Garda from Pearse Street Garda Station, is on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for two counts of assault causing harm under the Non‑Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. The alleged assaults occurred on 1 June 2021 at Essex Street, Dublin 2 and Pearse Street Garda Station, when the complainant, a 17‑year‑old, was reportedly brought to the ground, handcuffed, and then lifted onto his head, resulting in a fractured skull. The complainant spent five days in Beaumont Hospital and later testified that he could not recall the events, was drinking and smoking at the time, and had been taken to hospital after the incident. Mr. Murphy pleaded not guilty; the trial will continue tomorrow before a jury of eight men and four women, presided over by Judge Pauline Codd.
A tribunal awarded former Bohemians FC coach David Henderson €26,000 after finding his dismissal on 30 November 2024 was a fabricated redundancy. The adjudicator, Christina Ryan, noted no evidence supported the club's claim of financial hardship or a need to cut the recruitment role. The club president could not confirm the board meeting date and admitted no letter of complaint existed. Henderson, who had served as player, scout, coach, and head of recruitment, said he received no prior warning, investigation, or chance to respond. The tribunal described the allegations as a gross fabrication designed to remove him, concluding the dismissal was a sham redundancy carried out ruthlessly and dishonestly. The compensation was the upper limit the tribunal could award.
During the trial, 24‑year‑old Moldovan national Valeriu Melnic pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in the death of Ion Daghi, 39, who was stabbed with a kitchen knife at The Close, Sallins Park, on 12 May 2024. Melnic, who was heavily intoxicated, told Gardaí that he could not remember the stabbing but later said that "all the evidence pointed" to him being "the only one responsible." He described a drunken argument with Daghi, a brief moment of choking, and a fight that escalated to the use of a knife. Melnic admitted he had caused the fatal wound but could not recall holding or stabbing the knife. The jury heard his statements, the prosecution's case that he armed himself with a kitchen knife, and the defence's claim of intoxication and lack of memory. The trial is set to continue before Mr Justice David Keane and a jury of eight men and four women.
The former head of the United Nations' migrant assistance bureau in Dublin, Charlene Maleady, claims she was constructively dismissed after the IOM reassigned its chief of mission, Lalini Veerassamy, citing her behaviour in Ireland. Maleady, who rose from intern in 2011 to a €67,000‑a‑year national protection and programme officer, alleges that Veerassamy increased working hours, sent late‑night messages, and pressured staff, leading to 13 complaints and her eventual reassignment. She reports that after her maternity leave her role was advertised and her desk reassigned, leaving her with only one project. Maleady pursued grievances through UN human resources, an ombudsperson, ethics and conduct, and the Office of the Inspector General, but resigned in September 2023 and joined the Irish civil service. The IOM invoked diplomatic immunity, arguing a 2015 cooperation agreement, while the Workplace Relations Commission heard the case and will issue a decision in due course.
The sister of Valeriu Melnic, accused of murdering Ion Daghi, testified that her evidence to the jury last week was the opposite of what she had said in her Garda statement. In the statement, she described her brother as the aggressor who had a knife and threatened to kill her husband. In court, she denied that she was trying to protect him and said she had not seen the earlier part of the fight. She admitted that she had described her husband as the one armed and that her brother had wanted to leave the house. She also said she had only seen the leg of a chair in his hand and did not see them fighting. The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice David Keane and a jury of eight men and four women. Valeriu Melnic pleaded not guilty.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has viewed CCTV footage documenting movements in County Sligo and Mayo on January 18, 2022, the date of an alleged assault on 73-year-old Tom Niland at his home near Skreen. A garda detective presented a montage compiled from multiple camera systems showing a white Vauxhall Vivaro van travelling through Dromore West and Ballina that morning and afternoon, marked by distinctive features including a yellow number plate and a green roof stain. The prosecution alleges that John Irving, aged 31 of Shanwar, Foxford, County Mayo, Francis Harman, aged 58 of Ballina, and John Clarke, aged 37 of Ballina, broke into Mr Niland's home and assaulted him, causing injuries from which he died twenty months later in September 2023. The court heard that Mr Niland was discovered by neighbours crossing the N59 with severe injuries, including brain bleeding and multiple rib fractures. Mr Irving has pleaded not guilty to charges of unlawful killing, trespass causing serious harm, intentional or reckless serious harm, and false imprisonment.
A pensioner was so severely beaten during an alleged home invasion that neighbours did not recognise him as he walked along the road covered in blood with swollen eyes, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Witnesses described the victim as "crying blood" with multiple traumatic injuries following the incident at Doonflynn, Skreen, County Sligo on 18 January 2022. A surgeon from Sligo University Hospital testified that the injuries were serious and life-threatening, requiring the patient to be placed on life support. John Irving, aged 31, of Shanwar, Foxford, County Mayo faces four charges including unlawful killing, assault causing serious harm, intentional or reckless harm, and false imprisonment. The prosecution alleges Mr Irving, along with two other men, broke into the property and assaulted the occupant, who died more than 20 months later on 30 September 2023. Mr Irving has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon continues.
In a trial where a mother and her uncle are accused of raping the mother's daughter, the jury paused its deliberations for the weekend. The defendants, all pleading not guilty, face charges of rape and sexual assault. The mother, in her 50s, is charged with 13 counts of sexual assault and one count of rape, while the uncle, in his 40s, faces five counts of rape and one of oral rape. A third man, also in his 50s, is charged with one count of oral rape. The jury will resume on Monday.
In a High Court settlement, Christopher Miley's family will receive €185,000 after his death on 28 October 2021 when a loader shovel at Behan Quarry in Rathcoole, Dublin, struck and crushed him. Miley, 31, was refuelling vehicles for Shannon Valley Plant Hire while employed by Euro Oil. His partner, Shelly Keating, brought a personal injury claim against five defendants: Shannon Valley Plant Hire Unlimited Company, Laurence Behan Senior, L Behan and Sons Ltd, L Behan Aggregates and Recycling Ltd, and MPM Oil trading as Euro Oil. The claim alleged negligence, breach of statutory and contractual duty, and failure to provide a safe work environment, including inadequate lighting after dark. No defendant admitted liability. The court approved the settlement, waiving claims from Miley's sisters and mother, and expressed sympathy for Keating and the children.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing on 10 July 2025, a witness described how Valeriu Melnic (24) of Calliaghstown Lower, Rathcoole, attempted to protect his head while Ion Daghi (39) of The Close, Sallins Park, held a chair leg and threatened to beat him. The witness, Moldovan Alexandru Beccieu (24), testified that the two men had been drinking heavily, with Melnic allegedly consuming a "colossal amount" of whiskey. Melnic had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. A pathologist told the jury that Daghi died from a single 13‑cm stab wound to the chest, causing rapid death. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice David Keane, continues with a jury of eight men and four women. The witness's testimony focused on the altercation, the drinking, and the fatal stabbing, without providing any further legal conclusions.
Valeriu Melnic (24), of Rathcoole, Co Dublin, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the alleged murder of Ion Daghi (39) at The Close, Sallins Park, Sallins, Co Kildare, on May 12, 2024. Mr Melnic has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that Mr Daghi died from a single stab wound to the left chest, which measured 13cm in depth and penetrated the heart's right ventricle. She stated that death would have been rapid due to hemorrhage and shock, with 250ml of blood found in the pericardial sac. Dr Bolster noted blunt force injuries to the deceased's hands, consistent with offensive or defensive actions during an altercation, and confirmed that 73mg of ethanol was detected in his system. A knife blade recovered from the scene measured 19.5cm, consistent with the wound. Prosecuting counsel Carl Hanahoe SC alleged that Mr Melnic armed himself with a kitchen knife and stabbed Mr Daghi following a dispute after they spent the night drinking together. The trial continues before Mr Justice David Keane and a jury.
A jury of eight women and four men has been sworn in at the Central Criminal Court to hear the trial of a 31-year-old man accused of the unlawful killing of Tom Niland, a 74-year-old from Doonflynn, Skreen, County Sligo. The accused, John Irving of Shanwar, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Mr Niland died on September 30, 2023, more than twenty months after sustaining serious injuries during an alleged home invasion on January 18, 2022. The charges against Mr Irving include unlawfully killing Mr Niland, entering his home as a trespasser, causing him serious harm, and falsely imprisoning him. Justice Eileen Creedon estimated the trial will last approximately two weeks, with proceedings commencing the following day.
Juan Antonio Gallardo Barroso, a 56-year-old Spanish national, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to conspiring to import controlled drugs worth over €13,000 into Ireland between February 27 and March 14, 2024. Presiding Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned the matter to July 21 for sentencing. On that date, co-accused Mario Angel Del Rio Sanz, Anuar Rahui Chairi, and Aleksandar Milic are also listed for sentencing after pleading guilty to similar charges of conspiring to import drugs. Six other men remain charged in connection with the case: Kiumaars Ghabiri, Ali Ghasemi Mazidi, Sean Curran, Raul Tabares Garcia, Pedro Pablo Ojeda Ortega, and Angel Serran Padilla. The group was arrested by gardai in March 2024 during operations in Tragumna and Leap, near Skibbereen, County Cork. Authorities seized a jeep, camper van, articulated truck, and rigid inflatable boat during the suspected smuggling operation. The court proceedings are currently at the trial stage, with final sentencing pending for the four defendants who admitted their guilt.
A 33-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault and defilement of a child following an incident in County Mayo in July 2020. The trial, heard this week at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court, was told the complainant was 16 years old at the time of the alleged offences, while the accused was 28. The defence argued the accused believed the complainant was over 18, citing her appearance, behaviour, and statements she made during a staff party. However, the court heard evidence from a witness who said she informed the accused of the complainant's actual age that night. The complainant testified the accused pressured her for sexual contact after the party. Both prosecution and defence have delivered closing submissions. Judge Eoin Garavan is to sum up to the jury today or tomorrow, after which the twelve jurors will consider their verdict.
Gwen Doyle, a receptionist at Athboy Family Practice, claims she was constructively dismissed in October 2024 after a colleague repeatedly called her a "lazy b***h." She says the apology she received from the colleague and the practice manager was not genuine, but rather dictated. Doyle alleges the clinic's management failed to investigate her formal grievance and did not address the toxic work environment, leaving her with no other option. Her union, Siptu, presented the case to the Workplace Relations Commission, arguing the employer's efforts were insufficient. The employer's solicitor, Terry Gorry, contended that "strenuous efforts" were made to resolve the issue. The WRC hearing is adjourned to later in the summer for further cross‑examination.
A jury has begun deliberating in a trial involving a mother, her uncle, and a third man, all of whom deny the allegations. The mother, in her 50s, faces 13 counts of sexual assault and one count of rape for facilitating her daughter's rape by the uncle. The uncle, in his 40s, is charged with five counts of rape and one of oral rape. The third man, also in his 50s, faces one count of oral rape. All defendants plead not guilty. The jury paused deliberations for the day after a brief session.
In a murder trial, a 24‑year‑old man, Valeriu Melnic, was charged with the fatal stabbing of Ion Daghi, 39, at The Close, Sallins Park, Kildare, on 12 May 2024. Melnic pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The case was heard by a jury of eight men and four women. The prosecution, represented by Carl Hanahoe SC, recounted that Melnic and his friend Alexandru Beccieu had spent the night drinking at Daghi's house, arriving at 8 pm and consuming three bottles of whiskey. Around 3 am a dispute arose between Melnic and Daghi, escalating into a physical altercation involving Beccieu. Melnic allegedly armed himself with a kitchen knife, entered the kitchen, and stabbed Daghi once in the chest. A pathologist is expected to confirm a single stab wound to the left side of the chest, causing rapid death.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a young woman testified that she was raped and sexually assaulted by her mother, her uncle and a third man. The prosecution, represented by Anne‑Marie Lawlor SC, argued that the complainant's statements were consistent and unembellished, urging the jury to consider her reliability. The defence counsel for each defendant highlighted the passage of time, the lack of corroborating evidence, and questioned the complainant's memory of events that occurred when she was very young. The mother, aged in her 50s, pleaded not guilty to 13 counts of sexual assault and one count of rape, while the uncle, in his 40s, pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one of oral rape. The third defendant, also in his 50s, pleaded not guilty to one count of oral rape. The case remains before Justice Eileen Creedon and the jury.