03-07-2025
Ex-county council chairman pleads guilty to theft of over €170,000 from charity
A former history-making Fine Gael chairman of Cavan County Council has pleaded guilty to the theft of money from a mental health charity.
Sean McKiernan, 43, from Trinity Bungalow, Virginia Road, Bailieborough, was charged with 58 counts of theft at various unknown locations within the State from Navan Mental Health Housing Association six years ago, in 2019.
The sums varied between €500 and €7,500 and the total amount involved in the theft was €172,000, which was revealed at a previous court date.
Carey was due to stand trial in the case before a judge and jury.
However, on Thursday he appeared before Judge John Martin at Trim Circuit Court, where his counsel said 'progress can be made' in the case.
McKiernan was then arraigned on two sample counts, 1 and 58, on the charge sheets.
He pleaded guilty to theft under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Act that, on March 26, 2019 at a location unknown in the State, did steal €5,230 from Navan Mental Health Housing Association.
He further pleaded guilty to theft under the same act that, on April 6, 2020 at a location unknown in the State, he did steal €800 from Navan Mental Health Housing Association.
Counsel for McKiernan said a sentencing hearing date is required and said it 'should take 40 minutes'.
Judge Martin remanded McKiernan on continuing bail to appear before the court again on October 29 'for a date for sentencing to be fixed'.
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Dressed in a navy blazer and cream trousers, McKiernan only addressed the court to confirm his name and to enter his guilty pleas.
McKiernan made history in 2011 when he was elected the youngest ever chairman, or Cathaoirleach, of Cavan County Council.
He was a Fine Gael councillor for the Bailieborough electoral area from 2007 to 2014.
He was also a member of Cavan/Monaghan Education Training Board (ETB) and served a term as its Cathaoirleach in 2016.
He was actively involved in hosting the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Cavan Town in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and in developing the West Cavan Burren Geopark as well as the Taste of Cavan Festival.
McKiernan previously worked with the former Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation Damien English and was nominated to the Seanad Election 2016 by the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
