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. 9177Unlawful discharge of a firearm and firearms possession · Co. Clare · 30 Nov 2022

Ennis man charged over shotgun discharges near school

James Keenan, a 53-year-old man of John Paul Avenue, Ennis, has been charged over two shotgun discharges on 30 November 2022 near an Ennis housing estate and primary school. Gardaí received a report of trouble around 5pm, and the shotgun has never been recovered. At Ennis District Court, reported on 8 June 2026, he pleaded not guilty to each of the five charges, and the judge refused bail and remanded him in custody. He is due to appear by video-link from prison at Ennis District Court next Wednesday.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court8 Jun
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
James Keenan, a 53-year-old man of John Paul Avenue, Ennis, is charged with five offences linked to two shotgun discharges.
Where
The shootings took place near an Ennis housing estate and primary school.
When
  • The discharges happened on 30 November 2022.
  • Gardaí received a report of trouble around 5pm.
Weapon
The shotgun has never been recovered.
Cause
Gardaí were aware of an ongoing feud between the Keenan and Joyce families, but the defence said he is not part of any ongoing feud.
Charges
  • He is charged with unlawfully discharging a shotgun while reckless as to whether someone was injured.
  • He is charged with recklessly discharging a firearm in the direction of Joe Joyce.
  • He is charged with having a shotgun in his possession for an unlawful purpose.
In court
  • He pleaded not guilty to each charge after caution.
  • The judge refused bail and remanded him in custody.
  • He is due to appear by video-link from prison at Ennis District Court next Wednesday.
Other details
No one was hurt in the incident, according to the solicitor and the garda.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe shootings were near an Ennis housing estate and primary school. (clareecho.ie)
  • whenThe discharges happened on 30 November 2022. (clareecho.ie)
  • whenGardaí received a report of trouble around 5pm. (clareecho.ie)
  • weaponThe shotgun has never been recovered. (clareecho.ie)
  • investigationGardaí were aware of an ongoing feud between the Keenan and Joyce families. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeHe is charged with five offences linked to the two discharges. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeHe is charged with unlawfully discharging a shotgun while reckless as to whether someone was injured. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeHe is charged with recklessly discharging a firearm in the direction of Joe Joyce. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeHe is charged with having a shotgun in his possession for an unlawful purpose. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtHe pleaded not guilty to each charge after caution. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtThe judge refused bail and remanded him in custody. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtHe is due to appear by video-link from prison at Ennis District Court next Wednesday. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherNo one was hurt in the incident, according to the solicitor and the garda. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherThe defence said he is not part of any ongoing feud. (clareecho.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 8 Jun2026
    In courtclareecho.ie, first report
    Ennis man (53) appears in court over shotgun fire near school - Clare Echo

    First report of the court appearance. Adds the charges, the alleged feud background, the not guilty plea, the refusal of bail and the remand in custody.

    accused, James Keenan, 53, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Keenan