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. 9574Sea fisheries offences · Co. Donegal

Donegal fishing company to face trial over alleged fisheries breaches

MCD Trawling Ltd, of Shilling Hill, Greencastle, and Darragh Gillen, of Drumaweir, Greencastle, are charged over alleged breaches of sea fisheries regulations, and Gillen is charged as master of the Saint Catherine Laboure. The date of the alleged offences is not given in the reports. Books of evidence were served on Darragh Gillen and on Michael Gillen, a director of MCD Trawling Ltd, and the case was heard at Letterkenny District Court, reported on 16 May 2026, when the DPP consented to the accused being sent forward for trial. The latest development is that Judge Emile Daly ordered the accused returned for trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court and gave the alibi warning.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court15 May
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A Donegal-based fishing company, MCD Trawling Ltd, has been sent forward for trial over alleged breaches of sea fisheries regulations.
Where
The hearing took place at Letterkenny District Court.
When
  • The hearing was reported on 16 May 2026, while the article metadata gives 15 May 2026.
  • The date of the alleged offences is not given.
Charges
  • MCD Trawling Ltd, of Shilling Hill, Greencastle, is charged with three offences.
  • MCD Trawling Ltd is charged with interfering with an official carrying out an inspection within the State, contrary to section 34 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006.
  • MCD Trawling Ltd is charged with failing to have a transport document.
  • MCD Trawling Ltd is charged as the operator with failing to weigh the landing.
  • Darragh Gillen, of Drumaweir, Greencastle, is charged as master of the Saint Catherine Laboure with failing to send a return-to-port message before the vessel entered port.
Investigation
Garda Pauline Doherty gave evidence of serving books of evidence on Darragh Gillen and on Michael Gillen, a director of MCD Trawling Ltd.
In court
  • The DPP consented to the accused being sent forward to Letterkenny Circuit Court for trial.
  • The option of a signed plea was declined in the case.
  • Judge Emile Daly ordered the accused returned for trial and gave the alibi warning.
Other details
  • MCD Trawling Ltd and Darragh Gillen were represented by solicitor Ciaran Haran.
  • Legal aid and a certificate for legal counsel were granted.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA Donegal-based fishing company has been sent to face trial over alleged breaches of sea fisheries regulations. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe hearing took place at Letterkenny District Court. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeMCD Trawling Ltd, of Shilling Hill, Greencastle, is charged with three offences. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeMCD Trawling Ltd is charged with interfering with an official carrying out an inspection, within the State, contrary to section 34 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeMCD Trawling Ltd is charged with failing to have a transport document. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeMCD Trawling Ltd is charged as the operator with failing to weigh the landing. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeDarragh Gillen, of Drumaweir, Greencastle, is charged, as master of the Saint Catherine Laboure, with failing to send a return-to-port message before the vessel entered port. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe DPP consented to the accused being sent forward to Letterkenny Circuit Court for trial. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe option of a signed plea was declined in the case. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtJudge Emile Daly noted the service of books of evidence and the DPP’s consent. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtJudge Daly ordered the accused returned for trial and gave the alibi warning. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherGarda Pauline Doherty also gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on Michael Gillen, a director of MCD Trawling Ltd. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherMCD Trawling Ltd and Darragh Gillen were represented by solicitor Ciaran Haran. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherLegal aid and a certificate for legal counsel were granted. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 May2026
    In courtdonegallive.ie, first report
    Donegal fishing company to face trial over alleged fisheries breaches

    Reports the case being sent forward for trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court after service of books of evidence. The article does not give the date of the alleged offences.

    accused, MCD Trawling Ltd, namedMCD Trawling Ltdaccused, Darragh Gillen, named, irish (judged from name)Darragh Gillen