Thursday 29 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. 12657Possession of a knife, intoxication, threatening and aggressive behaviour · Co. Laois · 27 Jun 2025

Construction boss in possession of knife when arrested outside bar in Portlaoise

Simon Donagher (37), a construction company owner from Portarlington, Laois, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, possessing a flick knife, and engaging in threatening and aggressive behaviour at Market Square, Portlaoise, on 27 June 2025. Judge Susan Fay referred him to the Athy Alternative Project and adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on 26 January 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court19 Sep
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatSimon Donagher (37) of Bishopswood, Portarlington, Laois admitted being intoxicated, possessing a flick knife and engaging in threatening and aggressive behaviour at Market Square in Portlaoise on June 27, 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe manager of The Square Bar pointed the defendant out to gardaí on the night. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe man became abusive to gardaí. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatHe was found in possession of the knife. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatHis solicitor said he had gone for a few drinks after work and drank too much. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe knife was described as a work knife bought in a vet shop. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on January 26, 2026. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceHe was referred to the Athy Alternative Project. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherHe had 20 previous convictions, mostly for road traffic offences. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 19 Sep2025
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Construction boss in possession of knife when arrested outside bar in Laois

    Reports Simon Donagher's guilty plea and referral to the Athy Alternative Project for possession of a flick knife, intoxication, and threatening behaviour at Market Square, Portlaoise, on 27 June 2025. The case was adjourned to 26 January 2026.

    convicted, Simon Donagher, 37, male, named, irish (judged from name)Simon Donagher