Liam Gorman found trespassing on Garryowen Bog, Co Laois, in High Court
Liam Gorman of Silverwood, Mountmellick, Co Laois, was found to be trespassing on the 400-acre Garryowen Bog in Tinnahinch, Co Laois, owned by Bord na Mona Biomass (BnMB) Ltd. The case, which began more than a year ago, was heard over two days in June 2025 in the High Court before Mr Justice Oisín Quinn, where BnMB applied to have Gorman jailed for contempt for repeatedly failing to obey orders. The court found BnMB is the owner of the lands, made restraining orders prohibiting Gorman from trespassing or extracting peat, dismissed his counterclaim, and awarded no damages. Gorman, who represented himself and walked out on both days, had claimed his family owned the land for generations and suggested he had adverse possession. The June 2025 judgment is the latest development in the case.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court27 Jun
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Liam Gorman was found to be trespassing on the 400-acre Garryowen Bog owned by Bord na Mona Biomass (BnMB) Ltd.
- Where
- The bog is located in Tinnahinch, Co Laois.
- When
- The case was heard over two days in June 2025 in the High Court before Mr Justice Oisín Quinn.
- Cause
- Gorman claimed his family owned some of the land for generations, that it had been abandoned by Bord na Mona, and suggested he had adverse possession of the land.
- Other details
- Gorman told the court he returned to the land in April 2025 and was extracting peat to sell to farmers as bedding for cattle.
- Gorman represented himself and walked out of the hearing on both days accompanied by a number of individuals.
- The court found BnMB is the owner of the lands with the exception of a small triangle.
- Investigation
- Drone images indicated the use of substantial machinery operating on the bog land.
- In court
- BnMB applied to have Gorman jailed for contempt for repeatedly failing to obey orders.
- The judge made orders restraining Gorman from trespassing or interfering with BnMB's use of the lands and prohibited him from bringing machinery or extracting peat.
- No award of damages was made as BnMB decided not to adduce evidence in support of a damages claim.
- Gorman's counterclaim was dismissed as he did not meaningfully participate in the hearing and called no evidence.
14 statements extracted from the articles
- whereThe case concerns the 400-acre Garryowen Bog in Tinnahinch, Co Laois. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtBnMB applied to have Gorman jailed for contempt for repeatedly failing to obey orders. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe matter was heard before Mr Justice Oisín Quinn over two days in June 2025. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe judge made orders restraining Gorman from trespassing or interfering with BnMB's use of the lands and prohibited him from bringing machinery or extracting peat. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtNo award of damages was made as BnMB decided not to adduce evidence in support of a damages claim. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtGorman's counterclaim was dismissed as he did not meaningfully participate in the hearing and called no evidence. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe court found BnMB is the owner of the lands with the exception of a small triangle. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherGorman claims his family owned some of the land for generations and that it had been abandoned by Bord na Mona. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherGorman was extracting peat to sell to farmers as bedding for cattle. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherGorman represented himself and walked out of the hearing on both days accompanied by a number of individuals. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe judge refused Gorman an adjournment to get legal advice after he had twice discharged firms of solicitors since the case began more than a year ago. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherGorman suggested he had adverse possession (squatters rights) of the land. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherGorman told the court he returned to the land in April 2025. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherDrone images indicated the use of substantial machinery operating on the bog land. (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 27 Jun2025Court hears of sign warning 'trespassers' will be charged '€100,000 a minute'
High Court judgment finding Gorman to be a trespasser on BnMB's bog and issuing restraining orders; Gorman's counterclaim dismissed and no damages awarded.
suspect, Liam Gorman, male, named, irish (judged from name)Liam Gorman