Latest news with #Coolock
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Irish Times
Man who claimed partner deliberately stabbed herself fails in appeal
A man convicted of manslaughter, who claimed that his partner deliberately stabbed herself to death, has failed in a bid to have his 12-and-a-half-year sentence reduced on appeal. Martin Hayes (36) was found not guilty of Amadea McDermott's (27) murder, but guilty of her manslaughter by the majority verdict of a Central Criminal Court jury in November 2023. Hayes, with an address at Poddle Close, Crumlin, Dublin 12, had pleaded not guilty to murdering the mother of two at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock, on or about July 20th, 2017. He told the trial that his partner inflicted the injury on herself. Hayes had admitted using violence against Ms McDermott in his own evidence to the trial. READ MORE Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced him to 12 years and six months in November 2023. Speaking following Haye's conviction in 2023, Eucharia McDermott described her sister's killer as a 'deranged monster'. Hayes appealed his sentence, arguing that the judge gave excessive weight to the aggravating factors in the case, specifically in setting a headline sentence of 14 years. James Dwyer SC, defence counsel for Hayes, also argued that inadequate weight was given to the mitigating factors in the case resulting in a final sentence that was 'higher than it should have been'. In dismissing the appeal on Tuesday, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said there were limited mitigating factors in this case. He said the judge rightly placed the offence in the category attracting a headline sentence of between ten and 15 years. The offence was aggravated by domestic violence, he said, noting there had been evidence of 'fresh violence' to the face of the deceased, which it was accepted occurred on the night of the killing as well as older bruises indicating previous violence. Mr Justice McCarthy said there was also evidence of 'an unhealthy, extreme and unfounded' view of purported impropriety of a sexual nature which indicated a 'very significant form of coercive control'. He also noted the circumstances of the appeal were 'slightly out of the ordinary' in that it had been contended that the judge fell into error in the decision he made as to the factual circumstances for the basis of manslaughter. Dismissing this ground of appeal, he said the trial judge approached the matter in a rational way upon the evidence and adopted what might be described as 'the rational, obvious and clear view' of what happened. Imposing sentence in November 2023, Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the killing was clearly a case of domestic violence and he noted that during her life, Hayes had tracked Ms McDermott's movements using a secret app on her phone. The judge further noted the recent bruises on Ms McDermott's body as recorded by a pathologist following her death and evidence that Hayes had a history of aggressive and violent behaviour towards his victim. In 2023, Amadea McDermott's sister, Eucharia, said that Hayes had told 'lie after lie without a shred of evidence' in his testimony to the trial when he falsely alleged that Ms McDermott had caused her own death by stabbing herself. She thanked gardaí and the prosecution team who had, she said, 'helped to convict this violent, sick, evil, twisted, deranged monster.'
BreakingNews.ie
16-07-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Council denies rumours Coolock accommodation for older people will house asylum seekers
Dublin City Council has taken to social media to dispel claims around a new older persons' housing development in north Dublin. It follows rumours the homes in Coolock are to be used for asylum seekers. Advertisement Glin Court in Coolock is an older persons housing development built in the 1970s that became vacant after fire damage in 2018. It has since undergone a major redevelopment, creating 32 new one-bed homes. Dublin City Council is aware of false reports circulating around who will be housed in the new Older Person's housing development at Glin Court, Glin Grove, Coolock, Dublin 17. We wish to clarify that all future residents for this new development will only come from Dublin City… — Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) July 15, 2025 In a post on social media yesterday, Dublin City Council said it was aware of false reports about who will live at Glin Court after rumours began circulating that the homes would be used to accommodate international protection applicants. However, the local authority says all future residents will only come from its Housing Allocations and Transfers list and is asking people to communicate that message within the community.
RTÉ News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Irish anti-migrant mobilisation enters 'more organised phase'
Anti-migrant mobilisation across the island of Ireland has entered a new, more organised phase, according to the organisation which monitors disinformation and extremism. A new report from Institute for Strategic Dialogue, has found what began as scattered, localised protests in late 2022, has evolved into an "increasingly structured and internationally connected movement". It says this mobilisation is "characterised by street protests, intimidation, targeted violence and coordinated amplification online". According to the ISD, the 2024 Coolock protests marked a "major escalation" in anti-migrant mobilisation. It also says that there is "emerging colloboration" between groups in the North that would not have traditionally operated together. "Traditionally, nationalist and loyalist constituencies have operated in ideological opposition with distinct identities ... Emerging collaboration between actors on either side of the border marks a significant shift in the political landscape suggesting that shared perceived grievances can override older sectarian fault lines," it states. It said this overlap between Republic-based nationalist activists and Northern Irish Loyalist networks "laid the groundwork" for further collaboration seen in the Ballymena protests last month. The Institue also says Ireland's anti-migrant mobilisation is also being increasingly amplified online by far-right networks across Britain, Europe and north America. It says with 10.8 million followers on X, Conor McGregor remains "the most significant domestic amplifier of this content", using his social media platform to "lend mainstream credibility to far-right rhetoric". It states that Russian-aligned propaganda outlets are also actively engaged in promoting polarising and anti-migrant content here.
Dublin Live
18-06-2025
- Dublin Live
'The Gucci gang is gone' says mum of murdered Zach Parker after Glen Ward jailed
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The mother of murder victim Zach Parker says she's "delighted" that his boss Glen Ward is now in jail - as she warns against a life of crime and says: "The Gucci Gang is gone". Drug dealer Zach Parker (23) was gunned down outside a gym in Swords metres from his family home on January 17, 2019 - the first gangland murder of the bitter Coolock feud that also saw three of his pals killed. Speaking as she marked what should've been Zach's 30th birthday this week, a heartbroken Siobhan Parker said her son wanted out of his life of crime - and revealed how she learned of his involvement in the notorious 'Gucci Gang' led by Glen Ward. Ward (32) was in April finally unmasked as the criminal referred to as 'Mr Flashy' after he was jailed to five years and six months in prison for firing a semi automatic rifle from the back door of a Finglas home. Speaking at her son's graveside as she placed 30th birthday balloons, Ms Parker, who said she doesn't blame Ward for involving her son in a life of crime told us: "Yeah I was delighted like (that he went to jail) but at the same time they're still in a prison where they're gonna be looked after and everything. "No I don't (blame him). We all have our demons, we all have our own personalities. If you want to do something you do it. But if you're groomed you're groomed. "They'll be out in no time. Bullet proof vests are not going to save you. Zach got shot in the head. A Louis Vuitton bag is not gonna save you either. It's just bling bling bling." Speaking about marking her son's birthday Ms Parker said: "It's Zach's 30th birthday. He would've loved to have had a party. He's probably having a party up there. It's to acknowledge a milestone he didn't catch up on." Describing the past six and a half years since her son's death as "horrific," Ms Parker said: "I've been in rehab twice, I've been in hospital. But hopefully things will get better. The Gucci Gang is gone." It is believed that Zach was murdered after seeking a drug debt from a young criminal in the North Dublin area. Ms Parker says she knew her son was involved in drug dealing but that she only learned how deep after he died - when she met Glen Ward and close pal Sean Little after he died. Little was himself shot dead in May 2019 - as he looked for revenge for the murder of Zach. "I actually didn't really know the depths that he was in. You know, I knew the circumstances of the drug situation but now it's getting worse and like they're going around on scooters getting paid left right and centre and it's getting worse and worse. So I reckon Zach is probably in a better place. He was harmless," Ms Parker told us. Warning other young people away from a life of crime she added: "I used to love on a Sunday evening watching Love/Hate. I thought it was the best thing until it was reality for me. "They (young people) don't listen to their Mammies anyway. They're going around on scooters and getting paid. That's great for them at that age - getting a pair of runners for nothing. You know what I mean, like they're grooming them." Speaking about the first time she met Glen Ward, Sean Little and other members of the notorious 'Gucci Gang' which terrorised Finglas, Ms Parker said: "I didn't really know until I went into Beaumont that night and that's when I met the lads. Like Sean Little and that. "I never met them before. (Glen Ward) was there yeah but I wouldn't have known him. They had a vigil and he was there as well. "Zach wanted to get out of it. He never told me anything now. He would never tell me anything. He was in the Gucci Gang and he was the first to die in the Gucci Gang. And then poor Sean. "I personally think Zach was a lovely fella and he was the bestest barber in Swords, so people keep telling me. He was a softie. I don't even know how he got into the drug situation but it's money." Saying her "life changed" when Zach died, Ms Parker said Sean Little vowed for revenge - and told her partner that he would find who was responsible before he was blasted to death on 21 May 2019. She said: "Absolutely one million per cent (he wanted revenge) for Zach. He loved him. He was a very lovable person. He was a big softie like deep down. "Sean Little came in to me and he said he doesn't owe money, I can promise you here and now. The day after he passed he came in and said he didn't owe money. "He said to Gary I'm gonna find out who f*cking did this. They were so close. I didn't realise. He said he's gonna find out if it kills him. It did kill him didn't it?" Speaking about the moment she found out her son had been shot dead at the front of the gym, which was located just over a wall next to her home, Ms Parker said: "Gary, he came in. I was in the bedroom watching telly, he came in and said did you hear that and I said yeah, what the f*cks going on. "Then I seen him running across the way and I looked out the window. I started ringing Zach to see what was going on. I didn't realise it was him. "Then I went over and he was getting CPR done on him. They said go straight into Beaumont. "So we went straight in. My friend texted Oh My God there's been a shooting at the gym, someone's dead. It's horrific. I'm so angry." In August 2022 the DPP directed no charges be brought against a suspect arrested by gardai in connection with Zach's murder. It is understood the young man has connections to deceased crime boss Tommy 'The Zombie' Savage, who died of natural causes at the age of 71 in 2021. Ms Parker says she doesn't know why her son was murdered - but that she hopes to one day get justice for his death. "They said no charges. I'd have my suspicions. I want to get justice. I'm not going to get closure but I do want to get justice," she said. "But I do think he's in a better place because the way things are going now they don't just shoot you after three months, they shoot you straight away." Saying she believed her own son was groomed into a life of crime, Ms Parker said it started with his friendship with the late Sean Little. She said: "I do yeah definitely 100 per cent (think Zach was groomed). Sean Little came in and got his haircut and never met him before in his life. "He had a good life ahead of him. He could've opened up his own barber and cleaned up. I'm not just saying it because I'm his Mam. He was the best barber in Swords. "He used to draw all his tattoos and then go in and get them done. I didn't know until he was dead that he was in it. I never met them until that night." Ms Parker says she is relieved that the crime gang led by Glen Ward - which featured the likes of her son, Sean Little, Hamid Sanambar, Caolan Smyth, and others, is now gone - but she fears it will be replaced with another. "It's well gone now. I am relieved but it'll be another gang, there will be another name."It isn't good because you're watching your back left right and centre," she said. Ms Parker has since left the house she lived in in Swords - because it carries with it too many painful memories. "We knew we couldn't stay in the house. I couldn't stay there. I was looking out the window at it (the place he was killed)," she said. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
‘It feels like home to me': Mr Price staff demonstrate value of employing disabled people
Despite finishing his third-level education at a time of full employment, Karl Kavanagh (23) didn't think he'd 'ever' get a job. 'I thought I'd go to college and then it would be, 'See you after' for me. I thought it would be hard to get a job. I thought I'd be looking for ages.' He had just completed a three-year programme at the National Learning Network, which supports people with disabilities. His lecturer suggested he apply to the discount retailer Mr Price. 'They gave me a day to try out – packing the shelves and helping customers. Then, they gave me a call to say they had a job offer for me.' Three years on, he is still with the retailer's Coolock, Dublin branch. READ MORE 'I am dealing with customers, making sure they are okay, that they have everything they need ... I like the environment and the team. The team is very good. We all get on really well. We have fun.' Séadna O'Hara (25), a retail assistant in the Blanchardstown branch, was 'so surprised' to be offered a job after graduating last year from Trinity College Dublin's centre for people with intellectual disabilities. 'In my work I am doing pricing, doing the baskets and the tills. It is pretty good work,' he says. 'Some of it can be pretty complex ... It can be a bit challenging if someone wants to do a refund.' He loves working with the company. 'It feels like home to me,' he says. 'The team are very nice and the customers, because I treat them very well, they smile at the way you treat them.' The young men were among several Mr Price employees at an event hosted by the company on Wednesday, to demonstrate employing disabled people is 'not only possible, but value-adding for the company', said operations manager Edel McSorley. Jack Doyle, who works with Mr Price in Arklow, Co Wicklow, at the event in Dublin on Thursday. Photograph: Damien Eagers/The Irish Times 'Ireland has still one of the lowest employment rates for people with disabilities in Europe. That is an unnecessary reality,' she said. Citing Disability Federation of Ireland data from last year, she said just 33 per cent of disabled people were in employment, compared with the EU average of 51 per cent. In addition, 40 per cent of disabled people here are at risk of poverty. Ms McSorley has championed employing disabled people since she started with the company in 2011. Now 17 per cent of its workforce are drawn from the cohort. Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary, attending the event, said it was 'just not acceptable' that Ireland had one of the highest disabled unemployment rates in the EU. He urged employers to explore available supports to employ disabled people, and to 'take the leap'. He said 'harm' was being done to disabled people by the barriers they faced in all aspects of their lives. [ How to ensure your workplace works for people with disabilities Opens in new window ] 'What Mr Price has done is a signal to every other employer that this works.' While employers and workers won when more disabled people were in their workforce, the 'biggest winner is society'. Disability was 'a huge focus' for Government and his department, he continued. A cross-departmental national disability strategy (NDS), led by the Taoiseach, was being finalised. Asked if all employers should be set disability employment targets (public sector employers have been set a target of 6 per cent by the end of the year), Mr Calleary said he wanted to 'work on the carrot first'. 'If companies are not employing people with disabilities they are missing out on extraordinary skills, talent that will add so much to [their] workplace.' Asked what life would be like he did not have his job, Mr O'Hara said: 'I would feel a little left out. I would be sad.'
