Man guilty of harassing former Agsi general secretary with 'offensive material'
Andrew McGovern, 38, of Rathowen, Co Westmeath, pleaded guilty to distributing or publishing a threatening or grossly offensive communication about Antoinette Cunningham, former general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, with intent to cause harm. The communication was published between 16 and 30 March 2023. McGovern failed to attend a sentencing hearing in March 2025, after which a bench warrant was issued and he was detained by gardaí the following week and granted bail. The case was heard before Judge Bernadette Owens at Mullingar District Court and adjourned for two months pending a probation report, with sentencing set for 17 July 2025.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Convicted15 May
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Andrew McGovern, 38, of School Lane, Rathowen, Co Westmeath, pleaded guilty to distributing or publishing a threatening or grossly offensive communication about Antoinette Cunningham with intent to cause harm.
- Antoinette Cunningham was the first woman to lead any of the Garda staff associations and retired from her roles with Agsi and the Garda after 33 years of service.
- When
- The offending communication was published between 16 and 30 March 2023.
- Charges
- The offence carries a fine and/or imprisonment of up to six months under the relevant legislation.
- In court
- The case was heard before Judge Bernadette Owens at Mullingar District Court.
- McGovern failed to attend a sentencing hearing in March 2025 and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.
- The matter was adjourned for two months pending a probation report, with sentencing set for 17 July 2025.
- Investigation
- He was detained by gardaí the following week and granted bail.
- Other details
- Cunningham's victim impact evidence, submitted in written form in March, was also adjourned to July.
- Cunningham was present in court with a number of supporters.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatAndrew McGovern, 38, of School Lane, Rathowen, Co Westmeath, pleaded guilty to the charge. (irishtimes.com)
- whatAntoinette Cunningham was the first woman to lead any of the Garda staff associations. (irishtimes.com)
- whatCunningham retired from her roles with Agsi and the Garda after 33 years of service. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe offending communication was published between 16 and 30 March 2023. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case was heard before Judge Bernadette Owens at Mullingar District Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe matter was adjourned for two months pending a probation report, with sentencing set for 17 July. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceUnder the legislation, the offence carries a fine and/or imprisonment of up to six months. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMcGovern failed to attend a sentencing hearing in March and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. (irishtimes.com)
- otherHe was detained by gardaí the following week and granted bail. (irishtimes.com)
- otherCunningham was present in court with a number of supporters. (irishtimes.com)
- otherCunningham's victim impact evidence, submitted in written form in March, was also adjourned to July. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 15 May2025Man guilty of harassing prominent Garda representative with ‘offensive material’
McGovern pleaded guilty to harassment with offensive material of former Agsi general secretary Antoinette Cunningham; a bench warrant had been issued after he missed a March sentencing hearing; sentencing adjourned to 17 July 2025 pending probation report and victim impact evidence.
suspect, Andrew McGovern, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)Andrew McGovernvictim, Antoinette Cunningham, female, irish (judged from name)Antoinette Cunningham