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. 14947Endangering lives by dangerous driving; violent disorder · Co. Galway · 10 Sep 2023

Man pleads guilty to driving at two people during Galway feud disturbance

On 10 September 2023, a 20-year-old man, Martin McDonagh, drove a car at speed and struck Katie Sweeney, and was also involved in a similar incident involving Andrew Sweeney, during a feud-related disturbance at the Galway Shopping Centre. In January 2025, McDonagh confirmed guilty pleas to three charges at Galway Circuit Court, including endangering lives by dangerous driving and violent disorder. Six other people have also pleaded guilty to offences from the same day's violent public order incidents in Galway. The latest development is that Judge Brian O'Callaghan remanded McDonagh on bail until 28 October.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted15 Jan
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A 20-year-old man, Martin McDonagh, pleaded guilty to endangering the lives of two people by driving a car at them.
Where
The incident took place at the Galway Shopping Centre in Galway.
When
The incident took place on 10 September 2023.
Cause
The disturbance was reported as a feud-related disturbance in Galway.
Weapon
A car was driven at speed at the two victims, Katie Sweeney and Andrew Sweeney.
Charges
  • McDonagh admitted intentionally or recklessly driving a car at speed and striking Katie Sweeney, creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm.
  • McDonagh pleaded guilty to a similar charge concerning Andrew Sweeney.
  • McDonagh also pleaded guilty to violent disorder at the shopping centre on the same date.
  • Six other people have pleaded guilty to offences arising from violent public order incidents in Galway on 10 September 2023.
  • John McDonagh, 25, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at the Galway Shopping Centre.
In court
  • Martin McDonagh confirmed guilty pleas to three charges at Galway Circuit Court in January 2025.
  • Judge Brian O'Callaghan remanded Martin McDonagh on bail until 28 October.
  • All the accused have been remanded on continuing bail until the end of October.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA 20-year-old man pleaded guilty to endangering the lives of two people by driving a car at them. (rte.ie)
  • whereThe incident happened at the Galway Shopping Centre. (rte.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on 10 September 2023. (rte.ie)
  • causeThe incident was a feud-related disturbance in Galway. (rte.ie)
  • chargeMcDonagh admitted intentionally or recklessly driving a car at speed and striking Katie Sweeney, creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm. (rte.ie)
  • chargeMcDonagh pleaded guilty to a similar charge concerning Andrew Sweeney. (rte.ie)
  • chargeMcDonagh also pleaded guilty to violent disorder at the shopping centre on the same date. (rte.ie)
  • chargeSix other people have pleaded guilty to offences arising from violent public order incidents in Galway on 10 September 2023. (rte.ie)
  • courtMartin McDonagh confirmed guilty pleas to three charges at Galway Circuit Court. (rte.ie)
  • courtJudge Brian O'Callaghan remanded McDonagh on bail until 28 October. (rte.ie)
  • courtAll the accused have been remanded on continuing bail until the end of October. (rte.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 Jan2025
    Convictedrte.ie, first report
    Man pleads guilty to endangering lives of two people

    Reports guilty pleas by Martin McDonagh to three charges at Galway Circuit Court, with bail until 28 October, and guilty pleas by six co-accused to violent disorder from the same day.

    convicted, Martin McDonagh, 20, male, named, irish (judged from name)Martin McDonaghvictim, Katie Sweeney, irish (judged from name)Katie Sweeneyvictim, Andrew Sweeney, irish (judged from name)Andrew Sweeneyconvicted, John McDonagh, 25, named, irish (judged from name)John McDonaghconvicted, Eleisha Browne, 30, named, irish (judged from name)Eleisha Browneconvicted, Derek Ward, 24, named, irish (judged from name)Derek Wardconvicted, Jason Ward, 19, named, irish (judged from name)Jason Wardconvicted, Lee Ward, 20, named, irish (judged from name)Lee Wardconvicted, PJ Ward, 22, named, irish (judged from name)PJ Ward