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. 8054Possession of cannabis for supply · Co. Clare · 7 May 2025

Former pilot's drugs case adjourned pending High Court challenge

Brendan O'Mara, aged 63, of Summerhill, Meelick, County Clare, was charged over an alleged estimated €10 million worth of drugs seized by gardaí, with the alleged possession dated 7 May 2025. He was first charged at a special sitting of Ennis District Court on 10 May 2025, spent almost three months on remand, and was granted bail at the Court of Appeal in July 2025. He replied that he was not guilty, and his solicitor says the substance is hemp with low THC content. In September 2026 Judge Adrian Harris further adjourned the prosecution at Ennis District Court pending a High Court ruling on his challenge, and the case was adjourned to 9 December.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court11 Sep
    2 reports
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A former Ryanair pilot faces charges over a Garda seizure of an alleged estimated €10 million worth of drugs.
Where
He lives at An Tulach, Summerhill, Meelick, County Clare.
When
  • The alleged possession date is 7 May 2025.
  • He was first charged at a special sitting of Ennis District Court on 10 May 2025.
Charges
  • He is charged with having cannabis in his possession on 7 May 2025 for the purpose of selling or supplying it to another.
  • The charge states the drug had a market value of €13,000 or more, contrary to Section 15(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
Investigation
After charge and caution, he replied "absolutely not guilty", a detective told a court hearing.
In court
  • He spent almost three months on remand before getting bail at the Court of Appeal in July 2025.
  • He is pursuing a High Court challenge seeking a declaration that hemp is an agricultural good within the legislation.
  • In September 2026 Judge Adrian Harris further adjourned the prosecution at Ennis District Court pending a ruling on the High Court challenge.
  • The case was adjourned to 9 December and his attendance that day was excused.
Other details
  • Bail conditions include an independent surety of €150,000 and residence at his family home in County Clare.
  • His solicitor says the substance is hemp with low THC content, which would be regarded as agricultural goods in mainland Europe.
20 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA former Ryanair pilot faces charges over a Garda seizure of an alleged estimated €10m worth of drugs. (clareecho.ie)
  • whatA former Ryanair pilot faces charges over an alleged estimated €10 million worth of drugs seizure. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whereThe accused lives at Summerhill, Meelick, Co Clare. (clareecho.ie)
  • whereThe accused lives at An Tulach, Summerhill, Meelick, County Clare. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whenHe was first charged at a special sitting of Ennis District Court on May 10, 2025. (limerickpost.ie)
  • investigationAt a earlier hearing, a detective said Mr O’Mara replied “absolutely no guilty” after charge and caution. (clareecho.ie)
  • investigationHe replied 'absolutely not guilty' after being charged and cautioned. (limerickpost.ie)
  • chargeHe is charged with having cannabis in his possession on 7 May 2025 for the purpose of selling or supplying it. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeThe charge states the drug had a market value of €13,000 or more, contrary to Section 15(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeHe is charged with possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling or supplying it to another. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtAt Ennis District Court the judge further adjourned the prosecution pending a ruling in the High Court challenge. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtThe High Court challenge seeks a declaration that hemp is an agricultural good within the legislation. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtHe was first charged at a special sitting of Ennis District Court on 10 May 2025 and spent almost three months on remand before getting bail at the Court of Appeal in July 2025. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned to 9 December and his attendance on that date was excused. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtJudge Adrian Harris further adjourned the prosecution pending a ruling on the High Court challenge. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned to December 9 and his attendance that day was excused. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherHis solicitor says the substance is hemp with a low THC content, which would be regarded as agricultural goods on the mainland of Europe. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherBail conditions require him to reside at his family home in Co Clare. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherHis solicitor says the substance is hemp with low THC, which would be regarded as agricultural goods in mainland Europe. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherBail was granted on conditions including an independent surety of €150,000. (limerickpost.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 12 Sep2026
    In courtlimerickpost.ie, first report
    Pilot claims alleged €10m drugs seizure was 'agricultural goods'

    Court adjournment report. Defence says the substance is hemp with low THC and agricultural goods. The case is adjourned to December 9. No existing case matched.

    accused, Brendan O'Mara, 63, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brendan O'Mara
  2. 11 Sep2026
    In courtclareecho.ie, follow-up
    Former Ryanair pilot claims €10m Clare drugs seizure was ‘agricultural goods’ - Clare Echo

    Court report on the adjournment of the case at Ennis District Court; the article covers the High Court challenge, the charge and bail history.

    accused, Brendan O'Mara, 63, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brendan O'Mara