Thurles Information

Justice Ms Isobel Kennedy, sitting with Judge Ms Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Mr James Faughnan, today handed down sentencing to a Tipperary man, who had earlier pleaded guilty, at the Special Criminal Court, to the possession of two pipe-bombs, a pistol and ammunition.

Mr Dylan Cahill, aged 24 years, residing at Lower Irishtown, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, had pleaded guilty last April to the possession of a .380 calibre Colt semi-automatic pistol, together with four rounds of .380 calibre ammunition, at Sradrine, Glefarne, Co Leitrim on May 13th, 2015. He had also pleaded guilty to the possession of two improvised explosive pipe-bomb devices, at the same place on the same date.

Mr Cahill was today sentenced to six years in prison, with the final year suspended, for each of the offences, with the sentences set to run concurrently.

The court had previously heard that the investigating Gardaí were on routine traffic duty on the day in question and had stopped a maroon coloured Volkswagen Passat car, following earlier reports that a vehicle answering a similar description had absconded from a filling station, having failed to pay for fuel.

The car was being driven by Mr Cahill, and on searching the vehicle, Gardaí found a plastic shopping bag on the floor of the front passenger seat, containing a pistol and two pipe bombs.

During subsequent interviews with Gardaí, Mr Cahill stated that he had no idea for what purpose the gun was intended. Gardaí however believe that the gun and pipe bombs were being transported as part of future intended IRA activities.

Thurles District Courthouse

Mr Michael O’Reilly, with an address at No. 20 New Line Close, Mountrath, Co. Laois; who tested positive for a banned substance prior to taking part in the 2016 Rio Olympics, appeared before Judge Elizabeth MacGrath, at Thurles District Court today.

Mr O’Reilly, who has 37 previous convictions, related to road traffic offences, had been summoned to appear, today, to answer charges relating to threatening and abusive behaviour, public intoxication and causing criminal damage. Explaining his late attendance at today’s Court appearance; Mr O’Reilly made it known to the court that same was caused by a necessary medical appointment, requiring blood tests.

Three other co-accused, namely his father Mr Michael O’Reilly (Snr.) with an address at Clonkeen, Portlaoise, Co. Laois; Mr Bernard O’Reilly, with an address at Main Road, Clonkeen, Portlaoise, Co. Laois; and Mr James O’Reilly, also of Clonkeen, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, were also in attendance in court.  The latter, Mr James O’Reilly was a juvenile at the time of the committed offences, but is now aged over 18 years old.

Garda Inspector Mr Padraic Powell informed the court that all parties were pleading guilty to the throwing of rocks, damaging a Nissan Micra the property of Mr Michael Doyle, and a Citroen Hatchback, belonging to Ms Mary Doyle. Similar criminal damage was also caused to a Bailey Regency 2001 Caravan, the property of Ms Brigid Doyle. Damage to the caravan it was agreed would be dealt with separately by the families themselves.

While the Doyle and O’Reilly families are related, it is understood that some difference of opinion occurred at an engagement party, which in turn escalated; resulting in the committing of this criminal damage. The court heard that damages of €879.63 was caused to the Nissan Micra, while impairment to the Citroen incurred some €663.98 in repairs.

Judge MacGrath directed that this case be now put back to October 24th 2017, with the condition that all four accused pay compensation in full, by that date.