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. 10100Animal welfare offences (cock-fighting) · Co. Monaghan · 27 Jul 2024

Man, 77, charged with cock-fighting offences in Monaghan

Patsy Mullen, a 77-year-old man with an address at Rarutra, Emyvale, Co Monaghan, has been charged with offences relating to cock-fighting that are alleged to have taken place on 27 July 2024 at Rarutragh, Emyvale, Co Monaghan. The charges are under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and include organising, causing or permitting a cock-fight, and having possession or control of an animal for an animal fight. He appeared before Monaghan District Court before Judge Raymond Finnegan on 13 April 2026, where an application for free legal aid was granted. The case was adjourned until 22 June so the Director of Public Prosecutions can give directions.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court13 Apr
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A 77-year-old man has been charged with offences related to cock-fighting.
Where
  • The alleged offences took place at Rarutragh, Emyvale, Co Monaghan.
  • Patsy Mullen's address is given as Rarutra, Emyvale, Co Monaghan.
When
The alleged offences relate to 27 July 2024.
Charges
  • Mr Mullen is charged with seven offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
  • The charges include organising, causing or permitting a cock-fight, and taking part in or being present at a cock-fight.
  • The charges include keeping an animal for an animal fight or performance, and having possession or control of an animal for an animal fight or performance.
Other details
A further charge concerns having spurs, equipment or other appendage made, used or adapted for use in an animal fight, with two other animal welfare offences cited under sections 11 and 12 of the Act.
In court
  • Mr Mullen appeared before Monaghan District Court before Judge Raymond Finnegan on 13 April 2026.
  • An application for free legal aid was granted.
  • The case was adjourned until 22 June for the Director of Public Prosecutions to give directions.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe alleged offences took place at Rarutragh, Emyvale, Co Monaghan. (rte.ie)
  • whenThe alleged offences relate to 27 July 2024. (rte.ie)
  • chargeMr Mullen is charged with seven offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. (rte.ie)
  • chargeThe charges include organising, causing or permitting a cock-fight, and taking part in or being present at a cock-fight. (rte.ie)
  • chargeThe charges include keeping an animal for an animal fight and having possession or control of an animal for an animal fight. (rte.ie)
  • chargeMr Mullen faces a further charge of having spurs or equipment made or adapted for use in an animal fight, plus two other animal welfare offences. (rte.ie)
  • courtHe appeared before Monaghan District Court before Judge Raymond Finnegan. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned until 22 June for the Director of Public Prosecutions to give directions. (rte.ie)
  • courtAn application for free legal aid was granted. (rte.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Apr2026
    In courtrte.ie, first report
    Man, 77, in court in Monaghan over cock-fighting charges

    First report of the court appearance. Adds the charges, the alleged location and date, the court adjournment and a legal aid grant.

    accused, Patsy Mullen, 77, male, named, irish (judged from name)Patsy Mullen