Saturday 31 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. 21160Drugs offence (possession and possession for sale or supply of cannabis) · Co. Tipperary · 24 Mar 2021

Man jailed for four years, with 18 months suspended, over cannabis found at Thurles railway station

On March 24, 2021, gardaí observed Keith Lonergan, 46, attempting to hide a bag containing suspected cannabis behind a bin at Thurles Railway Station, Co Tipperary, in the company of another man. Lonergan, who is originally from Clonmel and lives in Limerick, said he had travelled to Thurles to collect the cannabis to repay a drug debt. He was charged with possession and possession for sale or supply, and admitted possession in interview. On May 11, 2023, Judge John Martin at Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court jailed him for four years, with 18 months suspended, and rejected the claim that he was a mere pawn.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced11 May
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The suspected cannabis found in the bag was estimated to be worth €9,960.
Where
The bag was found hidden behind a bin at Thurles Railway Station, Co Tipperary.
When
The incident took place on March 24, 2021.
Other details
Keith Lonergan, 46, is originally from Clonmel and lives at St Lawrence's Park, Garryowen, Limerick.
Cause
Lonergan said he owed a drug debt and agreed to carry and hold the cannabis to repay it.
Investigation
  • Gardaí observed Lonergan attempting to hide the bag in the company of another man, who fled and was later detained but made no admissions.
  • Lonergan was detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act and was interviewed on four occasions, where he admitted possession of the drugs.
  • A later search of Lonergan's house in Limerick found a further €2,330 worth of drugs.
Charges
Lonergan was charged with possession and with possession for sale or supply of cannabis.
In court
Sgt David Godfrey presented the case at Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge John Martin rejected the claim that Lonergan was a mere pawn.
Sentence
Lonergan was jailed for four years, with 18 months suspended, as reported on May 11, 2023.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe drugs found at Thurles were estimated to be worth €9,960. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whereA bag was found to contain suspected cannabis after being hidden behind a bin at Thurles Railway Station. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whenThe incident took place on March 24, 2021. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • causeLonergan said he owed a drug debt and agreed to carry and hold the cannabis to repay it. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • investigationThe other man involved was detained but made no admissions. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • investigationLonergan was detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • investigationA later search of Lonergan's house in Limerick found a further €2,330 worth of drugs. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • investigationLonergan was interviewed on four occasions and admitted possession of the drugs. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • chargeLonergan was charged with possession and with possession for sale or supply. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • courtLonergan was jailed by Judge John Martin at Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court. (tipperarylive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 11 May2023
    Sentencedtipperarylive.ie, first report
    Judge refuses to accept Tipperary man caught with drugs at railway station was 'mere pawn'

    Reports the sentencing of Keith Lonergan at Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court. No existing case in the list concerns this incident.

    convicted, Keith Lonergan, 46, male, named, irish (judged from name)Keith Lonergansuspect, male