From the Kerry archives, July 28, 2000: Tralee bank robbery, fire at Micko's house & Westlife in Tralee
Today at 01:00
Every week in our Kerry archives piece, we take a trip back in time 25 years ago to see what was making the headlines in back then. This week, we're looking at July 7, 2000 so sit back, have a read and see if you remember if you remember any of these stories:
Terrifying raid on ACC bank
Staff at the ACC Bank at Denny Street in Tralee were subjected to a terrifying robbery on Wednesday afternoon in which a man who claimed to be armed made off with around £2,000 in cash.
The man entered the bank premises at around 3.40pm and demanded money from one of the tellers. A number of staff crouched down during the incident in which the mar said 'don't move or I will shoot'.
He was handed a quantity of money thought to be about £2,000 Bank staff had been unable to give Gardaí a definite statement on the amount at the time of going to press.
Although the man was not visibly armed, staff said he claimed to be carrying a gun and said he would use it if necessary. Staff had genuine reason to believe that the man was armed.
He was last seen leaving the premises and going in the direction of the Ashe Memorial Hall. Gardaí are using video footage from street security cameras to track his movements.
A Garda spokesman said they did not believe the man was local, although his accent was not distinct
"They couldn't detect a particular accent and described it as unusual You couldn't say it was from Kerry or Cork but it was definitely Irish," he said.
An ACC Bank spokesman said the sum of money involved was 'not substantial, it was relatively small'. Gardaí believe it was at or below £2,000. Gardaí confirmed a report that the man had entered the premises earlier in the day before returning to conduct the larceny. He was not wearing a disguise and is described as around 5'11 and clean shaven.
The bank security video was being examined or Wednesday afternoon in order to provide a visual identification of the man. Plain clothes and uniform Gardaí were also making enquiries around the town among taxi drivers, bus drivers, and hotels in order to establish any other sightings.
This is the second robbery to have occurred at the Tralee branch of ACC Bank within the last two years.
ADVERTISEMENT
Learn more
"Staff believed he had a weapon and a sum of money was handed over in cash. They assumed he was behaving in a threatening manner and he was on his own," the ACC spokesman said.
The quantity of money handed over to the man was relatively small because the bank safe was not opened. No-one was injured in the incident and the man was not handed all the available petty cash, as some was still present in the bank after the incident.
"We wouldn't believe that he is local at all from the information we have got," the Garda spokesman said.
Witnesses said the man was wearing a white polo neck with short sleeves and a stripe around the neck. He was wearing beige or light coloured trousers.
Fire destroys Mick O'Connell's home
Legendary Kerry footballer Mick O'Connell may have lost irreplaceable memorabilia from his illustrious sporting career in a fire which gutted his Valentia Island home at the weekend.
But as his wife Rosaleen commented to The Kerryman this week: "The important thing is that, we are all safe and unharmed. Bricks and mortar can be replaced. The main thing is that nobody was hurt."
The fire which badly damaged the O'Connell's family home started shortly after 6pm on Saturday evening. When Mrs O'Connell arrived back to the house she noticed smoke billowing from the scullery. She immediately dialled '999' and tried to extinguish the fire with the help of neighbours, who arrived at the scene with buckets of water.
However, the blaze spread to the attic and most of the roof was destroyed. Despite the best efforts of several units of the Cahersiveen Fire Service, the 30-year-old bungalow was severely damaged.
"We are. thankful to God that it didn't happen in the middle of the night and that we were all out when it started. My husband as out and about, I was in Mallow and my son Diarmaid was with his aunt. It could just as easily have happened in the middle of the night when we were all there. We were very lucky," she said.
Mrs O'Connell paid tribute to her neighbours on the island whom she said have been 'fantastic' throughout the ordeal. "They've been feeding us and looking after us ever since. They've been brilliant."
At the time of interview, she knew of only one of her husband's football medals which had been found after the fire.
"We've lost a lot of things like trophies, Waterford glass and old photos but we can manage without those," she-said, adding that the sudden death of her brother-in-law in Cavan at the weekend put everything into perspective.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established but Mrs O'Connell said it could have been caused by an electrical fault.
Westlife coup for Rose festival
Rose of Tralee organisers pulled off a major coup this week with the announcement that chart topping boy-band Westlife will headline the festival next month with a free gig in the town on Sunday, August 20.
Teen pop sensations Samantha Mumba, Dove and Madasum have also been -.added, to the festival programme, which already includes free performances from '80s supergroup Dexy's Midnight Runners and US rock hand. Fun Lovin' Criminals.
Speculation was rife in recent weeks that Welsh rock group Stereophonies would be the headline act for the event, but festival bosses have opted instead for Sligo pop group Westlife, who have topped the British and Irish charts with hits such, as Swear it Again and Flying Without Wings.
At a second Rose of Tralee festival launch held at Dublin's Cocoon Bar on Wednesday, it was also announced that an outdoor version of To Dance on The Moon, Ceol Chiarrai's dance musical currently running at the Gleneagle Centre in Killarney, will officially open the festival on August 18 with a specially choreographed fireworks display.
Current Rose of Tralee Geraldine O'Grady, who attended Wednesday's launch, has also announced that she is to release her own CD single Reckless on August 11.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Louth Champagne thief keeps clean record after appealing severity of €500 fine
Iosebi Gelikoshvili, Triple House, Termonfeckin, Drogheda, received the benefit of the Probation Act after paying an additional €300 to the €100 he had at the initial hearing of his appeal at Dundalk Circuit Court last May. He pleaded guilty in the district court but did not attend a subsequent hearing to finalise the case and was convicted in his absence of taking the Georges Clément champagne at Mace, Clogherhead, on June 4, 2023. He had entered the shop and removed the four bottles, priced €37 each. The owner knew him by a nickname and that he lived not far away in Termonfeckin. He contacted Gardaí who obtained CCTV footage from the premises. When interviewed Mr Gelikoshvili made admissions. He said that he didn't have the money to pay and was not well, when asked why he stole the drink. All four bottles were consumed. He told investigators, 'I drank it. What else could I do?' He denied it was champagne, rather wine. The appellant identified himself from the CCTV footage and indicated he was guilty. There were no previous convictions. Judge Dara Hayes told him to come back on July 28 with another €300. On the adjourned date the Probation Act was applied when Mr Gelikoshvili, who had the assistance of a Russian interpreter, handed over the money Judge Hayes directed that it be given to the shopkeeper. If he did not want to accept the money it could go to a charity of his choice. Legal aid was granted and the court certified for counsel.
Irish Independent
4 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Former Louth soldier who used van ‘as a weapon' to flee accident sent to jail
Derek Donegan (39), Hyde Park, Dundalk at the time, 'used his vehicle as a weapon' to strike another motorist as he fled the scene of an accident he caused in North Louth more than four years ago. He appeared before the circuit court for sentencing on this and a separate matter when he struck his partner in the face. He admitted assaulting the woman causing her harm, as well as the endangerment charge. The defendant was described as having been an alcoholic abusing cocaine. He was no longer taking drink or drugs and had reconciled with his partner. Judge Dara Hayes remarked that the endangerment victim was lucky his injuries were not more serious. "To drive at somebody in that way, seeking to flee an accident, was an extremely serious matter.' The judge added that Donegan had shown no regard for the safety of his partner. Consecutive two-and-a-half year and two-year sentences were imposed, the final 18 months conditionally suspended, along with a five-year driving disqualification. At a sentence hearing last June, Gda Siobhán Leech gave evidence that at around 2pm on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Bellurgan, north of Dundalk, a Seat Leon was reared ended by a Ford Connect van as they travelled towards Ballymascanlon on the main road between Bellurgan Point and Marsh Road. Both vehicles pulled over and the drivers got out. Mr Donegan said he was sorry for driving so close. The car driver (29) pointed out that he did a lot of damage. The accused replied, 'I don't care. It's a company vehicle.' ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The other man asked for insurance details. He was taking photos of the damage. By this stage the defendant had got back into the van and appeared to be looking for a gap in the traffic. He drove at the victim, hitting him below the knees. The car driver managed to clamber onto the bonnet and was 'dumped' into the middle of the road. He feared he was about to be killed. His phone was damaged and he couldn't call for help. Donegan sped off towards Ballymascanlon. The other man got back into his car and went after him. Just past Ballymascanlon Hotel the van turned right before crossing the Thistle Cross junction without stopping. It slowed down around St Brigid's Shrine and the car pulled up alongside. The accused reversed and rammed the Seat Leon into a ditch. The driver managed to get out and asked people at the scene to phone Gardaí. He was distraught and had no more energy at this point but was able to make his way to Dundalk Garda station at 2.25pm to report the incident before attending Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital where he had x-rays. The man was in pain. He had cuts and shooting back pain. He said that he felt lucky to be alive. Meanwhile, Gardaí on the look out for the offending vehicle spotted a white van extensively damaged to the front at Castletown Road, Dundalk. They signalled it to stop and the driver complied. Derek Donegan was arrested at 4.45pm. He admitted running into the back of the car. He had no explanation for his behaviour. The court also heard about what happened at Erne Terrace, Dublin 2, on July 13, 2024. A garda who responded to a report of an altercation saw a woman emerge from a neighbour's house with blood running from her mouth and nose. While walking home with Mr Donegan after having drinks at a friend's house she said they had an argument and parted ways. He was waiting outside the house in Erner Terrace when she arrived home. The woman told him to return to Dundalk and gave him €15 on Revolut. He stayed, saying it was his house as well. He walked towards her. The victim recollected being struck in the face by him before going to a neighbour's house. She was brought to A&E at the Mater Hospital. His partner made a statement of withdrawal on August 14. She gave evidence on his behalf at a High Court bail hearing which helped him get bail after nine weeks on remand. They were back together. It was stated on Mr Donegan's behalf that he wanted to apologise to the driver. He accepted complete responsibility. He had little recollection of striking his partner. He was ashamed. On the adjourned date there were three clear urinalysis results before the court. Judge Hayes said a probation report stated that Derek Donegan grew up in Dundalk. He has two children, one from a previous relationship. A former soldier, he had risen to the rank of corporal. There was a drinking pattern in the Defence Forces, while be began experimenting with cocaine in his early thirties. Since leaving the Army he worked for a tyre company. The sentence was backdated to May 23 last to account for the nine weeks spent on remand.
Irish Independent
4 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Irish influencer ‘unaware of Central Bank probe' into promotion of unregulated offshore trading platform T4Trade
Irish influencer Jonathan Finlay has said he is 'not aware of any ongoing investigation by the Central Bank into his affairs' or his promotion of an unregulated trading platform.
