Latest news with #O'Riordan
Sunday World
04-07-2025
- Sunday World
Man who led gardai on high speed chase to border avoids jail
Daniel O'Riordan contested the charges, testifying that he was not behind the wheel. A motorist who led Gardaí on a high speed chase from North Louth to the border during which he overtook other traffic at speed and ignored road signs has avoided a prison sentence. Last April, Daniel O'Riordan (37), Mullacrew, Louth Village, and originally from Bellurgan Point, Dundalk, was convicted of five counts of dangerous driving. He contested the charges, testifying that he was not behind the wheel, nor even in the area where the pursuit commenced. His girlfriend also gave evidence that he was with her the whole time. However, at the conclusion of evidence, Judge Nicola Andrews convicted the defendant of dangerous driving at Jenkinstown Post Office, Bellurgan, Ballymascanlon, Thistle Cross and Carrickaneena, before adjourning finalisation of the case for reports. There were 61 previous convictions, 27 under the Road Traffic Act, including for dangerous driving causing death for which a five-year sentence was imposed in February 2011. Judge Andrews sentenced him to 120 hours community service in lieu of four months imprisonment for dangerous driving at Jenkinstown Post Office along with a two-year driving disqualification. The other charges were taken into consideration. Legal aid was granted. The district court had heard that Gardaí began a surveillance operation at the post office at 8.30am on December 2, 2024, to apprehend Mr O'Riordan who had eight outstanding bench warrants. Gda Ian McDonnell said that he was in an unmarked car and at 4.27pm he spotted a silver Volkswagen Passat arrive. The defendant, whom he knew, was the sole occupant. A high speed pursuit subsequently began, along the main Dundalk Road, past the Ballymascanlon Hotel and through Thistle Cross. It ended when the Passat overtook on a bend under a railway bridge and crossed into Northern Ireland. Gda McDonnell said that he could see it driving dangerously along Edenappa Road. The PSNI was alerted. The pursuit was over 8.6km and lasted approximately eight minutes. On December 10 at 7.10am, the court heard, Mr O'Riordan was arrested with the assistance of the Garda Armed Support Unit at a residence in Mullacrew. Dundalk Courthouse Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th The offending car was parked tight to the rear of the dwelling so it couldn't be seen from the road. Daniel O'Riordan testified that he didn't go to Bellurgan that day. His girlfriend drove him to a yard in Culloville, Co. Armagh to collect his wages. He continued that he was in Bellurgan the next day. He gets the 'Dole' in Jenkinstown Post Office. 'I wasn't driving. I wasn't even in Jenkinstown. It's not my car. I don't know who has access to it,' he said. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Sunday World
04-07-2025
- Sunday World
Man who led Garda Armed Support Unit on high speed chase to border avoids jail
Daniel O'Riordan contested the charges, testifying that he was not behind the wheel. A motorist who led Gardaí on a high speed chase from North Louth to the border during which he overtook other traffic at speed and ignored road signs has avoided a prison sentence. Last April, Daniel O'Riordan (37), Mullacrew, Louth Village, and originally from Bellurgan Point, Dundalk, was convicted of five counts of dangerous driving. He contested the charges, testifying that he was not behind the wheel, nor even in the area where the pursuit commenced. His girlfriend also gave evidence that he was with her the whole time. However, at the conclusion of evidence, Judge Nicola Andrews convicted the defendant of dangerous driving at Jenkinstown Post Office, Bellurgan, Ballymascanlon, Thistle Cross and Carrickaneena, before adjourning finalisation of the case for reports. There were 61 previous convictions, 27 under the Road Traffic Act, including for dangerous driving causing death for which a five-year sentence was imposed in February 2011. Judge Andrews sentenced him to 120 hours community service in lieu of four months imprisonment for dangerous driving at Jenkinstown Post Office along with a two-year driving disqualification. The other charges were taken into consideration. Legal aid was granted. The district court had heard that Gardaí began a surveillance operation at the post office at 8.30am on December 2, 2024, to apprehend Mr O'Riordan who had eight outstanding bench warrants. Gda Ian McDonnell said that he was in an unmarked car and at 4.27pm he spotted a silver Volkswagen Passat arrive. The defendant, whom he knew, was the sole occupant. A high speed pursuit subsequently began, along the main Dundalk Road, past the Ballymascanlon Hotel and through Thistle Cross. It ended when the Passat overtook on a bend under a railway bridge and crossed into Northern Ireland. Gda McDonnell said that he could see it driving dangerously along Edenappa Road. The PSNI was alerted. The pursuit was over 8.6km and lasted approximately eight minutes. On December 10 at 7.10am, the court heard, Mr O'Riordan was arrested with the assistance of the Garda Armed Support Unit at a residence in Mullacrew. Dundalk Courthouse Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th The offending car was parked tight to the rear of the dwelling so it couldn't be seen from the road. Daniel O'Riordan testified that he didn't go to Bellurgan that day. His girlfriend drove him to a yard in Culloville, Co. Armagh to collect his wages. He continued that he was in Bellurgan the next day. He gets the 'Dole' in Jenkinstown Post Office. 'I wasn't driving. I wasn't even in Jenkinstown. It's not my car. I don't know who has access to it,' he said. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Louth man who led Gardaí on high speed chase to border avoids jail
Last April, Daniel O'Riordan (37), Mullacrew, Louth Village, and originally from Bellurgan Point, Dundalk, was convicted of five counts of dangerous driving. He contested the charges, testifying that he was not behind the wheel, nor even in the area where the pursuit commenced. His girlfriend also gave evidence that he was with her the whole time. However, at the conclusion of evidence, Judge Nicola Andrews convicted the defendant of dangerous driving at Jenkinstown Post Office, Bellurgan, Ballymascanlon, Thistle Cross and Carrickaneena, before adjourning finalisation of the case for reports. There were 61 previous convictions, 27 under the Road Traffic Act, including for dangerous driving causing death for which a five-year sentence was imposed in February 2011. Judge Andrews sentenced him to 120 hours community service in lieu of four months imprisonment for dangerous driving at Jenkinstown Post Office along with a two-year driving disqualification. The other charges were taken into consideration. Legal aid was granted. The district court had heard that Gardaí began a surveillance operation at the post office at 8.30am on December 2, 2024, to apprehend Mr O'Riordan who had eight outstanding bench warrants. Gda Ian McDonnell said that he was in an unmarked car and at 4.27pm he spotted a silver Volkswagen Passat arrive. The defendant, whom he knew, was the sole occupant. A high speed pursuit subsequently began, along the main Dundalk Road, past the Ballymascanlon Hotel and through Thistle Cross. It ended when the Passat overtook on a bend under a railway bridge and crossed into Northern Ireland. Gda McDonnell said that he could see it driving dangerously along Edenappa Road. The PSNI was alerted. The pursuit was over 8.6km and lasted approximately eight minutes. ADVERTISEMENT On December 10 at 7.10am, the court heard, Mr O'Riordan was arrested with the assistance of the Garda Armed Support Unit at a residence in Mullacrew. The offending car was parked tight to the rear of the dwelling so it couldn't be seen from the road. Daniel O'Riordan testified that he didn't go to Bellurgan that day. His girlfriend drove him to a yard in Culloville, Co. Armagh to collect his wages. He continued that he was in Bellurgan the next day. He gets the 'Dole' in Jenkinstown Post Office. 'I wasn't driving. I wasn't even in Jenkinstown. It's not my car. I don't know who has access to it,' he said.
Irish Examiner
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
'Cork is on the cusp of something': Local film professionals launch new collective
Cork is ready for its close-up. Amid an upturn in film and TV production in the region, a filmmaking collective is launching Screen Cork to boost opportunities for established and aspiring filmmakers. Officially launched at Fastnet Film Festival in Schull this weekend, Screen Cork brings together a dynamic mix of filmmakers, industry professionals, and organisers, with the goal of fostering connection, collaboration, and growth across all areas of Cork's screen industry. Screen Cork's many aims, its founder members say, could transform TV and film in Cork, bolstering and building on a notable uptick in production in recent times. A recent meeting held by organisers in Cork drew a huge turnout, with an electric energy in the room, according to film producer, actor and board member Sinéad O'Riordan. 'I just feel that Cork is on the cusp of something right now,' says O'Riordan. 'The dream is to see all of this come together and become that film hub in Cork. That people know about Screen Cork, and they know about the productions that are coming in and the excitement - because it is exciting and it would be brilliant to attract some major talent to the area. 'I think that last meeting we had really solidified it for us. The energy was absolutely fantastic, the amount of people that said this is so badly needed. We need the funding now, we need the bodies to get behind us, to help bolster us so that we can be that central film hub.' Sinead O'Riordan, film director and one of the main people behind Screen Cork. O'Riordan, an established stage and screen actor, recently filmed the hit boxing drama Swing Bout on location in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The drama thriller set in the world of female boxing was written and directed by Maurice O'Carroll. Other board members include co-chairs and filmmakers Benjamin Rupprecht and Jamie Hooper, filmmaker Cian Desmond and producer Steve Broekhuizen. Working with local and national authorities, Screen Cork's goals include supporting and connecting local filmmakers, promoting Cork as a dynamic region for screen production and providing training and upskilling opportunities. There are plans to introduce a new short film bursary scheme and the organisation will act as a central point of contact for industry professionals and creatives. Screen Cork will also work with the National Talent Academies and others to host and provide training opportunities to upskill the workforce in the region. 'We have this opportunity in Cork,' says Hooper. 'It is the second largest city. It's got amazing transport links. It's got loads of hospitality options. It is a very, very attractive place for productions.' Hooper is a shorts filmmaker who founded the People's Picturehouse in Cork, a monthly short filmmaking showcase that takes place in the Pavilion and has become a popular hub for filmmakers. 'It was through these kinds of events, a lot of this community started to meet and to talk. One of the things that came up is the fact that we don't have a film commissioner, we don't have a short film scheme. A lot of the people that come to Picturehouse would be at the level where their next step should be going to get a funded short. 'The other major thing that a film office can do is attract and attain more consistent and sustainable work in the region. It could be something as simple as having a full crew database list of people in the region that we know are working in the region and available. It does become a self-sustaining thing, and it would be beneficial for the region as a whole. I know that the people in Film in Limerick are hugely supportive of what we're doing, and they see what we're attempting to do as being something that would bolster the industry in the region.' The Young Offenders being filmed in Kinsale. Following the establishment of West Cork Studios and a number of recent high-profile movies and TV shows filming in the country, there is a can-do attitude which is fostering interest in expanding the industry in Cork. TV series Bodkin brought Cork as a location to the world last summer when the high-profile show aired on Netflix. The Young Offenders continues to build audiences after the hit movie was developed into a TV series, and a fifth season was recently confirmed. Directed by Brendan Canty, forthcoming movie release Christy tells the story of two estranged brothers with chequered childhoods. It will be released in cinemas later this year after winning the Grand Prix of the Generation 14plus International Jury at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival. Bantry-based filmmaker Damian McCarthy enjoyed international success with his horror Oddity, filmed on location in Bantry House and released worldwide last summer. The story of a blind psychic determined to uncover the truth about her twin sister's murder was a hit with audiences and critics alike. McCarthy recently wrapped his next movie, Hokum, which was partly-filmed at West Cork Studios. US star Adam Scott ( Severance)has a lead role in Hokum, a supernatural horror about a horror novelist who visits a remote Irish inn to spread his parents' ashes, unaware of rumours it is haunted by a witch. The film is being backed by Screen Ireland. Other films shooting in Cork this year include director Vicky Wight's The Body is Water, a drama filming in West Cork this summer, and Everybody Digs Bill Evans, a drama about the legendary jazz pianist starring Anders Danielsen Lie, Bill Pullman and Barry Ward, directed by Grant Gee from a screenplay by Mark O'Halloran. Recently completed shorts include Mamó & Mise, a story in the Irish language supported by TG4 and filmed in the Ballingeary-Macroom area. Screen Cork board: Steve Broekhuizen, Cian Desmond, Benjamin Rupprecht, Jamie Hooper, and Sinéad O'Riordan. 'There is a groundswell, and we've been feeling it,' says Hooper. 'That's why we decided to get together, send out invitations to lots of relevant people, people in industry, in the commercial world, all the relevant department heads in universities, and all the heads of the local festivals. "We came together for a couple of meetings to determine what we're doing and what it is that is needed, and what we could do conceivably. I think there's a sense of optimism. I think there's a definite want - if there's a momentum happening, we need to get on board with that. 'My hopes would be twofold. One is to create a sustainable industry here in Cork. The second is with our short film scheme, we want Cork filmmakers to be given the tools and the ability to tell their own stories. "For up and coming and emerging filmmakers to get those opportunities, and the massive cultural benefit that it could bring.'
Irish Examiner
22-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Man jailed for cutting sheep's throat and stealing another from Kerry farm
A man who stole a sheep and also cut the throat of a pregnant sheep near Killarney has been handed down a 16-month sentence with six months suspended. At the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee, a victim impact statement by farmer Con O'Riordan spoke of his horror and shock at what he came upon. The barbaric act has not left him, the farmer who had to pay the costs of the disposal added. Hungarian native Richard Daroczi, aged 29, previously of Ely O'Carroll Place, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, pleaded guilty to stealing 'a ewe sheep in lamb' worth €500, the property of Con O'Riordan on January 5, at Cummeenabrick, Clonkeen, Co Kerry. He also admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013. He was assisted by Hungarian translator and was represented by barrister Kate O'Connell, instructed by Eimear Griffin solicitor. Garda Sergeant Nigel Shevlin told Tom Rice, prosecuting, that Mr O'Riordan is a sheep farmer living in Kilgarvan who has land at Cummeenabrick, Clonkeen. "It's sheep country and there are no residential properties there," Sgt Shevlin said. At 12.45pm on January 5 last, Daroczi pulled up at O'Brien's filling station, got fuel, and drove off without paying, the garda outlined. That afternoon, Mr O'Riordan was on his land and he saw the accused with one of the sheep — which was a ewe in lamb. Daroczi said the sheep was his. He had cut the throat of the sheep. Gardaí were alerted and came from Cork. The accused had fled, but his car was there. The ewe was identified by the tag, the sergeant said. Sale offer Two days later, entrails of another animal was found in the locality by neighbours. "The accused man's car had been searched and meat was found," added Sgt Shevlin, "but that animal could not be identified as the tag had been removed." The next day, a man met the accused at a filling station in Tralee and the accused had offered to sell him a lamb. The accused was going to remote areas, taking sheep and killing them to butcher them and then sell them on to members of the public, Sgt Shelvin told Mr Rice. A victim impact statement read by Sgt Shelvin from Mr O'Riordan, who was in court, told how he came 'across this man carrying a knife, and he had an animal beside him and its throat was cut. I was and am still shocked by this, I had never seen anything like it before and never wish to see it again 'It was the sheer barbarity of it and his attitude when I met him. He didn't care at all, it was like he thought there was something wrong with me for caring. He showed no remorse. 'The two ewes would have hardly come to €500 and to add insult to injury, I had to pay another man €200 to remove the other sheep away to prevent them being butchered.' Apologetic Mr O'Riordan said that the fact that such a thing could happen had never struck him previously, but 'it was always in his head now that this could happen again'. Ms O'Connell said her client 'is very apologetic' , adding that he had been homeless at the time. 'He never came to attention of gardaí for anything like this before. He seems to have just gone off the rails entirely. He was homeless at the time and trying to sell the sheep," she said. Judge Ronan Munro said that he understood why Mr O'Riordan was shocked. He said the accused is entitled to credit for his plea of guilty. He sentenced him to a total of 16 months — 10 months for the theft of the sheep; six months for the cruelty, and the fuel theft was taken into consideration. The final six months has been suspended for three years. The sentence of 10 months was back dated to January 25. Daroczi is to stay away from Mr O'Riordan's land and stay out of Kenmare and Kilgarvan.
