Wednesday 28 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. 2541Trespass (civil) · Co. Tipperary · 31 Dec 2024

Franciscan Order granted leave to serve trespass proceedings over Clonmel friary sit-in

Mr Justice David Nolan at the High Court granted the Franciscan Order permission to serve trespass proceedings against officers of the Abbey House Prayer Group, who allegedly refused to vacate the Friary Church in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, after a temporary caretaker's agreement expired on 31 December 2024.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court16 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe Franciscan Order brought a High Court action over an alleged sit-in at its Friary Church in Clonmel, Co Tipperary. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe prayer group organised two weekly Masses along with confessions. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatSignificant maintenance was required including fixing leaks, roof tiles, windows and the entire roof of the friary area. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatVicar Provincial Fr David Collins agreed to extend the closing date from December 18th to December 31st. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe sit-in has become a sleep-in with people taking turns to continue it. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe defendants locked an internal door that could act as an additional fire escape for residents of an adjoining building. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenIn March 2023, the province was approached by the Abbey House of Prayer Group. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, spoke with the defendants on January 7th. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge said he was satisfied there was a prima facie case. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherFr Aidan McGrath is minister provincial of the Franciscan Province of Ireland and a director of the SF Trust. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe Franciscan province has had a presence in Clonmel since the 13th century. (irishtimes.com)
  • other€160,000 was spent on upkeep of the property. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe adjoining friary building houses foreign nationals. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 16 Jan2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Franciscan Order in High Court challenge to prayer group’s alleged sit-in at Clonmel friary

    First report of the High Court action; Mr Justice Nolan found a prima facie case and granted permission to serve proceedings on the two prayer group officers.

    accused, Joseph McCormack, male, named, irish (judged from name)Joseph McCormackaccused, male, irish (judged from name)victim, Aidan McGrath, male, irish (judged from name)Aidan McGrath