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. 5585Dangerous dog (application for destruction or seizure) · Co. Clare · 27 Jun 2024

Gardaí seek court order to destroy XL Bully 'Ghost' running loose in Clare

Gardaí applied to Ennis District Court for an order to destroy or seize an XL Bully dog named 'Ghost' that has been running loose near Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare, and has bitten members of the public. The owner, Michael Geraghty, did not appear, and the judge noted an issue with service of the application, allowing a future re-application.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court27 Jun
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatSgt Noelle Bergin was seeking an order for the destruction of the dog or an order allowing its seizure. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe owner of the dog, Michael Geraghty of Ballinalackin, Lisdoonvarna, is not complying with the directions of Clare County Dog Warden Frankie Coote. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatSgt Bergin personally served Mr Geraghty with the Garda application the Saturday before the hearing. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatMr Geraghty did not appear in court. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatFive members of the public were in court to provide sworn evidence in support of the Garda application. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatDog Warden Frankie Coote described the dog as huge, very vicious and very dangerous. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatMr Coote had received at least six complaints of the dog attacking people, with two or three bites. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatMr Coote first became aware of the dog running loose on the road the previous year and cautioned the owner. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe dog has been running freely on public roads during May and up to 19 June. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe application was heard at Ennis District Court before Judge Alec Gabbett. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtJudge Gabbett said Mr Geraghty has a right to be heard before the dog is destroyed. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtJudge Gabbett noted an issue with service of the application and told Sgt Bergin she was free to make a similar application at a future court sitting. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtIt was also open to Gardaí to obtain a search warrant of the property. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 Jun2024
    In courtirishmirror.ie, first report
    Gardai in court bid to put down XL Bully named 'Ghost' running loose in Clare

    Reports the Ennis District Court hearing where Sgt Noelle Bergin sought an order to destroy or seize the dog; the owner did not appear and the judge flagged a service issue, permitting a future re-application.

    suspect, Michael Geraghty, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Geraghty