Sunday 1 November 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. 22324Possession of a firearm · Co. Kilkenny · 20 May 2020

Chris Kelly's firearm possession sentence reduced on appeal in Kilkenny

Chris Kelly, 32, of Waterford, had his six-year sentence for possession of a firearm in Kilkenny reduced to five years by the Court of Appeal to match the sentence of his co-accused Kealan Madden, after arguing a 'justified grievance' over the disparity given his lighter criminal record.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced17 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
20 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatKelly pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm on 20 May 2020 at Ballinlaw, Slieverue, Co Kilkenny. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whatKelly was a front-seat passenger when the vehicle was stopped. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whatA small black object was thrown into a hedge from the rear of the vehicle where Madden was seated. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whatMadden had a dark green sock between his legs containing a tray of ammunition wrapped in plastic. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whatBoth men were wearing disposable gloves. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whatA semi-automatic pistol was located in the area. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • what47 rounds of ammunition were recovered. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whatA ballistics report said the pistol and ammunition had been modified to allow for live ammunition to be fired. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whatKelly resisted and had to be forcibly removed from the vehicle. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • courtThe appeal was heard at the Court of Appeal. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • sentenceKelly was originally sentenced to six years' imprisonment with the last year suspended by Kilkenny Circuit Criminal Court in December 2021. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • sentenceMadden received a five-year sentence with the final 12 months suspended. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • sentenceMr Justice George Birmingham quashed the original sentence and re-sentenced Kelly to five years' imprisonment with one year suspended. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • otherKelly had one previous conviction for simple possession of cannabis. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • otherMadden had 13 previous convictions including production of an article, criminal damage and public order. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • otherKelly was the owner and driver of the car at the time of the incident. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • otherKelly was being paid a sum of money for transporting the package. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • otherMadden told his probation officer that both men were acting on orders from more serious and violent men. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • otherDean Kelly SC represented Chris Kelly on appeal. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • otherDylan Redmond BL represented the State on appeal. (kilkennypeople.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 17 Feb2023
    Sentencedkilkennypeople.ie, follow-up
    Man jailed for five years for possession of firearm in Kilkenny has sentenced reduced on appeal

    Court of Appeal (Mr Justice George Birmingham) quashed the original six-year sentence imposed at Kilkenny Circuit Criminal Court in December 2021 and re-sentenced Kelly to five years with one year suspended, matching Madden's sentence.

    convicted, Chris Kelly, 32, male, named, irish (judged from name)Chris Kellyconvicted, Kealan Madden, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)Kealan Madden