Ireland Man faces criminal damage and burglary charges over fire at Athy parochial house
On 18 February 2024 the parochial house in Athy, County Kildare, was allegedly broken into and set on fire. The parish priest, Fr Liam Rigney, had given money to James Rowan, 45, who called to the house asking for help. Rowan was arrested two days after the incident and faces allegations of criminal damage and burglary. He appeared before Naas District Court, made no admissions, and was refused bail and remanded in custody, as reported on 22 February 2024.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court22 Feb
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- Where
- The parochial house in Athy, County Kildare, was allegedly broken into and set on fire.
- When
- The alleged offences are dated 18 February 2024.
- What happened
- The property was allegedly entered and damaged, and the court was told hundreds of thousands of euro worth of damage was caused.
- Cause
- The accused called to the house for money and was given money by parish priest Fr Liam Rigney, reported as €10 for a bus fare and as given on two occasions.
- Weapon
- The entry was allegedly made by smashing two windows with a shovel.
- Investigation
- Garda Ken McDonald told the court the property was broken into and set on fire.
- CCTV allegedly shows the accused carrying a pillow case but does not show him setting the house on fire.
- The accused was arrested two days after the incident.
- Other details
- The house cannot be lived in because of smoke and water damage.
- A separate existing case also names James Rowan but concerns a different incident in Portlaoise in April 2023 and is not part of this case.
- Charges
- James Rowan, 45, of no fixed abode, faces allegations of criminal damage and burglary.
- In court
- James Rowan appeared before Naas District Court and has not admitted the offences.
- Sentence
- James Rowan was refused bail and remanded in custody.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whereThe parochial house in Athy was broken into and set on fire. (kildarenow.com)
- whenThe alleged offences are dated 18 February. (kildarenow.com)
- causeThe accused called to the house and was given money by the parish priest. (kildarenow.com)
- investigationA garda told the court the property was broken into and set on fire. (kildarenow.com)
- investigationCCTV shows the accused carrying a pillow case, and he was arrested two days after the incident. (kildarenow.com)
- investigationCCTV images do not show the accused setting the house on fire. (kildarenow.com)
- chargeJames Rowan faces allegations of criminal damage and burglary. (kildarenow.com)
- courtJames Rowan appeared before Naas District Court. (kildarenow.com)
- sentenceThe accused was refused bail and remanded in custody. (kildarenow.com)
- otherThe entry was allegedly made by smashing two windows with a shovel. (kildarenow.com)
- otherThe house cannot be lived in because of smoke and water damage. (kildarenow.com)
- otherThe court was told that hundreds of thousands of euro worth of damage was caused. (kildarenow.com)
- otherThe accused has not admitted the offence. (kildarenow.com)
The reporting
newest first- 22 Feb2024COURT: Parochial house in Kildare substantially damaged in fire
First report of this case. The court appearance is the only stage reported; the accused made no admissions and was refused bail. The name James Rowan also appears in existing case 17919, but that concerns a different incident (knife and stolen car in Portlaoise in April 2023), so it is not the same case.
accused, James Rowan, 45, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Rowanvictim, Fr Liam Rigney, irish (judged from name)Fr Liam Rigney