Two Limerick men to be tried at Special Criminal Court on firearm charges
Ryan Dunne
Two Limerick men will stand trial at the Special Criminal Court on firearm charges, with one man also charged with contributing to the activity of a criminal organisation.
An application was made by the State on Monday for John O’Donovan (19) and Shane Blackhall (21) to be tried before the three-judge, non-jury court, having been sent forward from a Limerick District Court sitting on March 3rd last.
O’Donovan, of Valley View, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick, is charged that between April 26th and May 8th 2025, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, he did participate in or contribute to activity intending to, or being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could, facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation or any of its members, to wit, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
He is further charged with three counts of unlawfully using a mechanically propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner, in Limerick on April 27th and May 8th, 2025, and in Monasterevin on April 26th that year. He also faces a charge of arson at Ashroe, Limerick, on May 8th, 2025.
Blackhall, of Mungret Court, Watergate Flats, Limerick, is charged with drug offences at the same address on June 10th, 2025, including having cocaine, cannabis and diamorphine for sale or supply, with a market value of €13,000 or more.
He is further charged that on June 1st, 2025, at Ashbourne Avenue, Limerick, he did unlawfully use a mechanically propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner.
On the same date, he is charged that at Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick, he did have possession of a firearm in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful purpose.
Judge Karen O’Connor made an order that both men are to be tried before the Special Criminal Court, with the matter put back to March 16th.
