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. 10214Dangerous driving · Co. Cork

Man charged with five counts of dangerous driving during Whitegate fuel protest

Between 11 April 2026 and the court date, a 27-year-old man, Darra O' Shea, was charged with five counts of dangerous driving at five locations in Co Cork during the fuel protest at the Whitegate refinery; the alleged incidents occurred on 11 April 2026. He made his first court appearance in Midleton, where the sources give the date as either 1 April 2026 or 16 April 2026. Bail terms were agreed, and the judge remanded him on his own bond of €500 to appear before Midleton District Court on 25 June, with DPP directions still awaited. The charges are allegations and no finding has been made.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court1 Apr
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A 27-year-old man, Darra O' Shea, was charged with five counts of dangerous driving.
Where
The alleged offences took place at five locations in Co Cork during the fuel protest at the Whitegate refinery.
When
The alleged incidents occurred on 11 April 2026.
Cause
It is alleged the accused drove a tractor in a dangerous manner, including at speed.
Charges
The offence charged is contrary to Section 53(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
In court
  • The accused made his first court appearance in Midleton; one source dates this 1 April 2026 and another dates the report 16 April 2026.
  • Bail terms were agreed, including that the accused must not post on social media about the court proceedings and must be of good behaviour on bail.
  • The defence said the accused was anxious to receive DPP directions in the case.
  • The judge remanded the accused on his own bond of €500 to appear before Midleton District Court on 25 June.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe accused was charged with five counts of dangerous driving. (thejournal.ie)
  • whereThe alleged offences were at five locations in Co Cork. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenThe alleged incident occurred on 11 April 2026. (thejournal.ie)
  • causeIt is alleged the accused drove a tractor in a dangerous manner, including speed. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeThe alleged offence is contrary to Section 53(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtTerms of bail were agreed in the case. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe accused must not post on social media about the court proceedings and agreed to be of good behaviour on bail. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe defence said the accused was anxious to receive DPP directions in the case. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge remanded the accused on his own bond of €500 to appear before Midleton District Court on 25 June. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 1 Apr2026
    In courtthejournal.ie, first report
    Man (27) charged with dangerous driving over five incidents during fuel protests

    First court appearance in Midleton. Charged with five counts of dangerous driving at five locations in Co Cork during the fuel protest. Remanded on €500 bond to 25 June; the defence said DPP directions were sought.

    accused, Darra O' Shea, 27, male, named, irish (judged from name)Darra O' Shea