Friday 30 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. 13621Assault · Co. Louth · 24 May 2024

Man placed under probation bond after assaulting priest at Dundalk church

On 24 May 2024, a 55-year-old man allegedly assaulted a priest at the Friary Church, Anne Street, Dundalk, County Louth. Simon Maguire of Woodland Park, Dundalk was charged with committing the offence. On 28 May 2025, Dundalk District Court, before Judge Stephanie Coggans, placed him under a six-month Probation Service supervision bond.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced28 May
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A 55-year-old man assaulted a priest in Dundalk.
Where
The offence took place at the Friary Church, Anne Street, Dundalk, County Louth.
When
The incident happened on 24 May 2024.
Charges
Simon Maguire of Woodland Park, Dundalk was charged with committing the offence.
In court
The case was heard at Dundalk District Court before Judge Stephanie Coggans on 28 May 2025.
Sentence
He was placed under a six-month Probation Service supervision bond.
Other details
  • The defence told the court that the accused lives in difficult circumstances and has limited comprehension.
  • The defence said the probation officer is happy to engage with the accused.
  • The accused brought €65 compensation to court for thefts from Dunnes Stores, a Maxol garage and 23 Seats café, which are unrelated to the assault.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA 55-year-old man assaulted a priest in Dundalk. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • whereThe offence took place at the Friary Church, Anne Street. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on 24 May 2024. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • chargeSimon Maguire of Woodland Park, Dundalk was charged with the offence. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Dundalk District Court before Judge Stephanie Coggans. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • sentenceHe was placed under a six-month Probation Service supervision bond. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherThe defence said the accused lives in difficult circumstances and has limited comprehension. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherThe probation officer is happy to engage with the accused. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherThe accused came to court with €65 compensation for thefts from Dunnes Stores, a Maxol garage and 23 Seats café. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 28 May2025
    Sentenceddundalkdemocrat.ie, first report
    Man (55) assaulted a priest at a church in Louth

    Reports the district court disposal: a six-month Probation Service supervision bond. The article gives the incident date as 24 May 2024 ("May 24th last year") and adds the defence account of the accused's circumstances and the compensation paid for unrelated thefts.

    convicted, Simon Maguire, 55, male, named, irish (judged from name)Simon Maguirevictim