Saturday 31 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 20913Possession of heroin · Co. Limerick · 4 Feb 2022

Ardagh man pleads guilty to heroin possession at Newcastle West Court

Patrick Quilligan, aged 31, of O'Connor Park, Ardagh, Limerick, was detained by gardai under the Misuse of Drugs Act after heroin valued at €200 was found in a search, with the offence dated February 4, 2022 at Rathkeale garda station. He pleaded guilty to possession of drugs, and the prosecution said the amount was consistent with personal use. A court report published May 28, 2023 said Newcastle West Court heard the plea and adjourned the matter. The judge asked the Probation Service for a pre-sanction report, and sentencing has not yet been decided.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted28 May
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Heroin valued at €200 was found following a search.
Where
  • The defendant is of O'Connor Park, Ardagh, County Limerick.
  • The possession offence took place at Rathkeale garda station.
When
  • The possession offence is dated February 4, 2022.
  • One source says the guilty plea was entered on February 4, 2022, while the court report is dated May 28, 2023.
Investigation
Garda Thomas Moroney detained the defendant under the Misuse of Drugs Act and took him to Rathkeale garda station.
Charges
Patrick Quilligan pleaded guilty to possession of drugs.
In court
  • The case was heard at Newcastle West Court.
  • The judge asked for a pre-sanction report from the Probation Service before adjourning the matter.
Other details
  • Prosecuting Inspector Gearoid Thompson said the amount was consistent with personal use.
  • Inspector Thompson said the defendant has 66 previous convictions, including six for possession of drugs.
  • The defendant's solicitor said he is now on a methadone programme.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatHeroin valued at €200 was found following a search. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whereThe defendant is of O'Connor Park, Ardagh. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whereThe possession offence took place at Rathkeale garda station. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whenThe possession offence took place on February 4, 2022. (limerickleader.ie)
  • investigationGarda Thomas Moroney detained the defendant under the Misuse of Drugs Act and took him to Rathkeale garda station. (limerickleader.ie)
  • chargeThe defendant pleaded guilty to possession of drugs. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe judge asked for a pre-sanction report from the Probation Service before adjourning the matter. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherProsecuting Inspector Gearoid Thompson said the amount was consistent with personal use. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe defendant has 66 previous convictions, including six for possession of drugs. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe defendant's solicitor said he is now on a methadone programme. (limerickleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 28 May2023
    Convictedlimerickleader.ie, first report
    Limerick gardai discover heroin in search

    Court report of a guilty plea, with sentencing adjourned for a Probation Service pre-sanction report. No existing case matches this 2022 incident.

    convicted, Patrick Quilligan, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Patrick Quilligan