Antoin Duffy charged with murder of British spy Denis Donaldson in Co Donegal
Denis Donaldson, a 55-year-old British man, was shot dead at a remote cottage near Glenties, Co Donegal, between 3 and 4 April 2006. Antoin Duffy, a man in his 40s, is charged with the murder, the attempted murder of Liam Copeland McGinley in November 2007, and possession of a shotgun. Duffy was extradited from Scotland earlier in 2026 and appeared before the non-jury Special Criminal Court on 27 July 2026 for the book of evidence to be served, the third such appearance. The matter was adjourned to 12 October 2026, with the prosecution indicating the second book of evidence was to be served in October.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court27 Jul
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Denis Donaldson, a 55-year-old British man, was shot dead at a remote cottage near Glenties, Co Donegal.
- Where
- The murder is alleged to have taken place in Cloghercor, Doochary, Co Donegal.
- When
- The murder is alleged to have occurred between 3 and 4 April 2006.
- Weapon
- A shotgun and ammunition were involved.
- Charges
- Antoin Duffy is charged with the murder of Donaldson and with possession of a shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life on the same date and location.
- Duffy is also charged with the attempted murder of Liam Copeland McGinley at Meenaboll, Co Donegal, on 19 November 2007, and with possession of a shotgun and ammunition on the same date.
- Investigation
- Duffy was extradited from Scotland earlier in 2026.
- In court
- Duffy appeared before the non-jury Special Criminal Court on 27 July 2026 for the book of evidence to be served, the third such appearance.
- The matter was adjourned to 12 October 2026, with the prosecution saying the second book of evidence was to be served in October.
- Other details
- Donaldson had been exposed as a paid agent for Special Branch and MI5 since the 1980s and was a former administrator for Sinn Féin's Stormont Assembly team.
- The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the killing in 2009.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- causeDonaldson was shot dead at a remote cottage near Glenties (irishtimes.com)
- chargeDuffy is charged with murdering Donaldson in Cloghercor, Doochary, Co Donegal, between 3 and 4 April 2006 (irishtimes.com)
- chargeDuffy is charged with the attempted murder of Liam Copeland McGinley at Meenaboll, Co Donegal, on 19 November 2007 (irishtimes.com)
- chargeDuffy is charged with possession of a shotgun and ammunition on 19 November 2007 (irishtimes.com)
- courtDuffy appeared before the non-jury Special Criminal Court on Monday 27 July 2026 (irishtimes.com)
- courtThis was the third time the parties appeared before the court for the book of evidence to be served (irishtimes.com)
- courtA pending bail application had been delayed because the second book of evidence had not yet been served (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe prosecution said the second book of evidence was to be served in October (irishtimes.com)
- otherDuffy was extradited from Scotland earlier in 2026 (irishtimes.com)
- otherDonaldson had been exposed as a paid agent for Special Branch and MI5 since the 1980s (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe Real IRA claimed the killing in 2009 (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 27 Jul2026Concern over delays in case of man charged with murdering British spy Denis Donaldson
First court appearance after extradition from Scotland; barrister concerned about delays in serving the book of evidence (third court appearance for this purpose); matter adjourned to 12 October 2026.
victim, Denis Donaldson, 55, male, British, non-irishDenis Donaldsonvictim, Liam Copeland McGinley, male, irish (judged from name)Liam Copeland McGinleyaccused, Antoin Duffy, 40s, male, named, irish (judged from name)Antoin Duffy