Sunday 1 November 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. 22807Disposal of a firearm (in connection with murder) · Co. Dublin · 25 Apr 2016

Lorcan Merriman's sentence increased for role in Thomas Farnan murder in Clondalkin

Lorcan Merriman (26) had his sentence for disposing of the firearm used in the 2016 murder of Thomas Farnan (37) in Clondalkin, Dublin, increased from four years to six years (with 18 months suspended) by the Court of Appeal after the DPP sought a review on grounds of undue leniency.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced19 Jan
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
18 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThomas Farnan (37) was shot dead at his front door at Kilcronan Close, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on 25 April 2016 and died almost immediately. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatLorcan Merriman (26) of Lealand Close, Clondalkin, went on trial for the murder before the Central Criminal Court in October 2021. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatFarnan's partner Elaine Heffernan heard three gentle taps on the letterbox at about 23:20 and presumed it was a neighbour. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatFarnan was shot at least five times resulting in nine separate injuries, and a single bullet through his right arm, chest and heart caused his death. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationThe DPP sought a review of the sentence on grounds of undue leniency. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationDuring the murder investigation, Merriman's dwelling was searched and a pair of jeans and a jacket were taken from his bedroom by gardaí. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationForensic examination found firearms residue on the clothing containing the same range of elements as residue on discharged bullet casings found at the scene. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationA further search of Merriman's dwelling uncovered a submachine gun, two magazines and 25 rounds of ammunition. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeOn the eleventh day of the trial, Merriman entered a plea of guilty to the lesser charge of disposing of the firearm. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeIn March 2018, Merriman was charged and pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of firearms and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceMerriman was initially sentenced to four years' imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceIn July 2018, Merriman was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, backdated to March 2018, for the firearms offences. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceThe trial judge initially identified a headline sentence of eight years for disposing of the weapon but ultimately sentenced Merriman to four years with 18 months suspended. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceThe Court of Appeal quashed the Central Criminal Court sentence and substituted six years' imprisonment with 18 months suspended, during which Merriman is to be under the supervision of the probation service. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherMerriman had spent almost one quarter of his life in custody. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe firearm found in the search was not the firearm used in the murder of Farnan. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherApproximately 60 previous convictions were recorded for Merriman for the period 2016 to 2019, mostly from the District Court for theft, robbery, burglary, criminal damage, unauthorised taking of motor vehicles, public disorder and drug misuse. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherFarnan's mother Ivona Shortt described her son as a 'big friendly giant' who was loved for his quick wit, kindness and generosity. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 19 Jan2023
    Sentencedirishmirror.ie, first report
    Man jailed for role in 'assassination' of 'friendly giant' gets more jail time

    Court of Appeal quashed the Central Criminal Court sentence of four years with 18 months suspended and substituted six years with 18 months suspended, finding the trial judge erred in reducing the sentence by reference to totality when the earlier firearms sentence had already been served in full.

    victim, Thomas Farnan, 37, male, irish (judged from name)Thomas Farnanconvicted, Lorcan Merriman, 26, male, named, irish (judged from name)Lorcan Merriman