Ireland Domestic abuse victim outraged as convicted attacker applies to get HSE job back
On 13 January 2024, at Emma Hallahan's home in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, Anthony Mackessy (42), a pharmaceutical porter and her ex-partner, assaulted her, held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her. Mackessy pleaded guilty to assault, went into custody in April 2024 and was jailed for one year in November, with an order to stay away from Emma Hallahan. He was released on 5 January 2026 after serving nine months, and has applied to return to his job at University Hospital Limerick, where the HSE says he must first undergo Garda vetting. In a report published on 26 March 2026, Emma Hallahan said she was devastated and outraged by the application and continues to feel fear.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced26 Mar
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Anthony Mackessy, 42, is a pharmaceutical porter and was the ex-partner of Emma Hallahan.
- Mackessy beat Emma Hallahan and dragged her up and down the stairs by her hair.
- Where
- The assault took place at Emma Hallahan's home in Dungarvan, Co Waterford.
- When
- The assault occurred on 13 January 2024.
- Weapon
- Mackessy held a knife to Emma Hallahan's throat and threatened to kill her.
- Charges
- Mackessy pleaded guilty to assault.
- In court
- Mackessy was ordered to stay away from Emma Hallahan.
- Sentence
- Mackessy was jailed for one year in November and served nine months of the sentence.
- Other details
- Mackessy went into custody in April 2024.
- Mackessy was released on 5 January 2026.
- Mackessy applied to get his job back at University Hospital Limerick.
- HSE Mid West said it is unable to comment on matters that may reveal information about identifiable individuals.
- All HSE employees who work with or have access to vulnerable adults or children are subject to Garda vetting.
- Emma Hallahan said she was devastated and outraged by the application and continues to feel fear.
- Investigation
- Mackessy was told he must undergo a Garda vetting process before returning to work.
17 statements extracted from the articles
- whatAnthony Mackessy, 42, is a pharmaceutical porter (irishmirror.ie)
- whatMackessy beat Emma and dragged her up and down the stairs by her hair (irishmirror.ie)
- whatMackessy held a knife to Emma's throat and threatened to kill her (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe assault took place at Emma Hallahan's home in Dungarvan, Co Waterford (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe assault occurred on 13 January 2024 (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeMackessy pleaded guilty to assault (irishmirror.ie)
- courtMackessy has been ordered to stay away from Emma Hallahan (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceMackessy was jailed for one year in November (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceMackessy served nine months of his one-year sentence (irishmirror.ie)
- otherMackessy went into custody in April 2024 (irishmirror.ie)
- otherMackessy walked free on 5 January 2026 (irishmirror.ie)
- otherMackessy applied to get his job back at University Hospital Limerick (irishmirror.ie)
- otherMackessy was told he needs to undergo a Garda vetting process first (irishmirror.ie)
- otherHSE Mid West said it is unable to comment on matters that may reveal information about identifiable individuals (irishmirror.ie)
- otherAll HSE employees who work with or have access to vulnerable adults or children are subject to Garda vetting (irishmirror.ie)
- otherMackessy would take Emma to famous murder sites including Tina Satchwell's house in Youghal, Co Cork (irishmirror.ie)
- otherMackessy wanted to take Emma to Schull where Sophie Toscan Du Plantier was murdered (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 26 Mar2026Domestic abuse victim 'outraged' as attacker applies to get HSE job back
Post-sentence follow-up: Mackessy, released on 5 January 2026 after serving nine months of a one-year sentence, has applied to get his HSE job back at University Hospital Limerick. The HSE says he must undergo Garda vetting first. Emma Hallahan expresses ongoing fear and outrage.
victim, Emma Hallahan, female, irish (judged from name)Emma Hallahanconvicted, Anthony Mackessy, 42, male, named, irish (judged from name)Anthony Mackessy