Ireland Case No. 4318Theft (stolen cattle) · Co. Cork · 24 Nov 2025
Man remanded in custody over theft of 18 cattle in west Cork
Eighteen cattle, comprising 12 Friesian heifers and six Friesian bulls worth about €30,000, were stolen overnight between 23 and 24 November 2025 from a farm in the Lakelands area of Skibbereen, Co. Cork, belonging to Brian Lawlor. The animals were recovered during searches in Ballydehob on 8 December 2025 and returned to their owner. Colm Dineen, 31, of Cappaghmore, Ballydehob, was arrested the same day and charged with five theft offences spanning 2017 to 2025. He appeared before Macroom District Court on 10 December 2025, made no reply to the charges, and was remanded in custody to appear at Clonakilty District Court on 16 December.
- Reported24 Nov
3 reports - Arrested8 Dec
2 reports - Charged9 Dec
4 reports - In court10 Dec
2 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- 18 cattle, described as 12 Friesian heifers and six Friesian bulls in most reports but as four Limousin cows, two Aberdeen Angus and 12 Friesians in the charge, were stolen from a farm in the Lakelands area of Skibbereen, Co. Cork.
- Where
- The cattle were taken from a shed at Brian Lawlor's outside farm at Lakelands, about three kilometres from Skibbereen, between the Drimoleague and Drinagh roads.
- When
- The theft occurred overnight between Sunday 23 and Monday 24 November 2025 and was discovered when the farmer checked his herd on 24 November.
- Cause
- The stolen cattle were valued at approximately €30,000.
- Investigation
- Gardaí from Serious Crime Units in Clonakilty, Bandon and Bantry, supported by the Divisional Search Team and the Department of Agriculture, conducted a search under warrant at lands in Cappaghmore, Ballydehob, on 8 December 2025.
- All 18 cattle were recovered during the searches and returned to their owner, Brian Lawlor.
- A man in his 30s was arrested at about 5.30pm on 8 December 2025 and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in Co. Cork.
- Charges
- Colm Dineen, 31, of Cappaghmore, Ballydehob, was charged with five offences under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Fraud and Theft Offences) Act 2001, including the theft of 18 cattle at Lakelands, Skibbereen, on 24 November (one source gives the date as 11 November).
- In court
- Dineen appeared before Macroom District Court on 10 December 2025, made no reply to the charges, and no bail application was made.
- Sentence
- Judge Joanne Carroll remanded Dineen in custody, directed that he be medically and psychologically assessed while on remand, and set a next appearance at Clonakilty District Court on 16 December 2025.
- Other details
- Gardaí believe the theft was carried out by the same gang behind two similar cattle thefts almost three years ago and that the Friesians were destined for shipment to Northern Ireland.
- Two balaclavas were recovered from a vehicle at the farm for forensic examination, and ear tags found in a shed matched animals stolen two years ago.
99 statements extracted from the articles
- whatGardaí from Skibbereen are investigating the theft of 12 Friesian heifers and six Friesian bulls. (irishtimes.com)
- whatEighteen cattle were taken in a theft. (extra.ie)
- what18 cattle were stolen from a farm in west Cork between Sunday and Monday. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe stolen animals were 12 Friesian heifers and six Friesian bulls, about one year old. (irishmirror.ie)
- what18 cattle worth €30,000 were stolen from a farm in west Cork (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe stolen cattle comprised 12 Friesian heifers and six Friesian bulls (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe stolen animals were all aged between 12 months and 14 months (irishtimes.com)
- whatAll 18 stolen cattle were located, identified, and safely returned to their owner. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe stolen animals were 12 Friesian heifers and six Friesian bulls. (corkbeo.ie)
- whatThe stolen cattle included four Limousin cows, two Aberdeen Angus and 12 Friesians, valued at about €30,000. (thejournal.ie)
- what18 cows went missing from a farm in Co Cork last month. (rte.ie)
- whatMore than 40 cattle worth more than €50,000 were stolen from four different farms over an eight-year period. (irishtimes.com)
- what18 cattle were stolen from a farmyard in the Lakelands area of Skibbereen. (corkbeo.ie)
- whatThe stolen animals were 12 Friesian heifers and 6 Friesian bulls. (corkbeo.ie)
- whatThe cattle were recovered during searches in Ballydehob on 8 December 2025. (corkbeo.ie)
- whatThe recovered cattle were returned to their owner. (corkbeo.ie)
- whatA man in his 30s was arrested in connection with the investigation. (corkbeo.ie)
- whereThe cattle were taken from a shed on a farm in the Lakelands area, between the Drimoleague and Drinagh roads out of Skibbereen. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe cattle were taken from a farmyard in the Lakelands area of Skibbereen. (irishmirror.ie)
- where20 gardaí and 15 Department of Agriculture inspectors searched a farm at Cappamore between Ballydehob and Skibbereen (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe cattle were stolen from a pen at Brian Lawlor's outside farm at Lakelands, about three kilometres from Skibbereen (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe suspect was taken to Bandon Garda station (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe cattle were stolen from a farm in the Lakelands area of Skibbereen, Co. Cork. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe cattle were stolen from a farmyard in the Lakelands area of Skibbereen. (corkbeo.ie)
- whereThe accused is from Cappaghmore, Ballydehob, Co. Cork. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe theft happened between Sunday and Monday morning. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe theft is believed to have happened overnight between Sunday 23 and Monday 24 November. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe man was arrested at about 5.30pm on Monday (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe cattle were stolen over the weekend of 23–24 November 2025 (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe cattle were stolen overnight on Monday, 24 November 2025. (irishmirror.ie, corkbeo.ie)
- whenThe theft was discovered on 24 November when the farmer went to check his herd near Skibbereen. (rte.ie)
- investigationGardaí believe the theft was carried out by the same gang behind two similar cattle thefts almost three years ago. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationA Garda source said the thieves planned the theft and would have needed a lorry or large trailer to move the animals. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationGardaí are appealing for information and asking road users with camera footage to come forward. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationGardaí are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationRoad users travelling between the R637 and R593 in the Lakelands area overnight are asked to make any camera footage available. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe balaclavas were removed by Garda technical experts for forensic examination (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe suspect is detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act for up to 24 hours (irishtimes.com)
- investigationInvestigations into the stolen cattle are ongoing. (garda.ie)
- investigationThe incident prompted a coordinated response involving Gardaí from Serious Crime Units in Clonakilty, Bandon and Bantry, supported by the Divisional Search Team and officials from the Department of Agriculture. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationGardaí carried out a major search operation in the Ballydehob area on Monday, 8 December 2025. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe suspect was arrested and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in Co. Cork. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationInvestigations remain ongoing with continued support from the Department of Agriculture. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationGardaí from the Serious Crime Units in Clonakilty, Bandon and Bantry, supported by the Divisional Search Team and the Department of Agriculture, undertook searches. (corkbeo.ie)
- investigationThe animals were returned to their rightful owner. (corkbeo.ie)
- investigationInvestigations into the incident are ongoing. (corkbeo.ie)
- investigationA detective garda gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution for the first three charges. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationGardaí searched a farm in the Ballydehob area on a Monday and found the 18 missing animals there. (rte.ie)
- investigationThe investigation was conducted by gardaí assisted by the Department of Agriculture. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationA search under warrant was carried out at lands in Cappaghmore, Ballydehob, on Monday. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe man is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in County Cork. (corkbeo.ie)
- investigationGardaí from the Serious Crime Units in Clonakilty, Bandon and Bantry, supported by the Divisional Search Team and the Department of Agriculture, undertook the searches. (corkbeo.ie)
- investigationEnquiries are ongoing with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture. (corkbeo.ie)
- chargeThe suspect was arrested on suspicion of theft and fraud offences (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe man in his 30s arrested in relation to the stolen cattle investigation has been charged. (garda.ie)
- chargeThe man has been charged in connection with the theft. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeThe man in his 30s has been charged in connection with the theft. (corkbeo.ie)
- chargeDineen is charged with stealing 18 cattle at Lakelands, Skibbereen, on 24 November. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeDineen is charged with entering a premises at Rowry, Rosscarbery, as a trespasser and committing a theft between 5 and 6 April. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeDineen is charged with stealing 13 Friesian bullocks at Lyre, Aughadown, between 6 and 7 December 2017. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeDineen is charged with stealing three Friesian in-calf heifers valued at €1,500 on 4 March 2023. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeDineen is charged with stealing eight cattle at Lissaclarig East, Aughadown, between 11 and 15 November 2025. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeAll the offences are contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Fraud and Theft Offences) Act 2001. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeMr Dineen was charged with the theft of the 18 cattle, valued at about €30,000. (rte.ie)
- chargeMr Dineen was also charged with other theft counts, including theft at a bungalow in Rosscarbery and theft of 13 Friesian bullocks in Skibbereen. (rte.ie)
- chargeFive offences were charged by Det Garda Hugh Byrne of Bandon and Det Garda Martin Bohane of Bantry. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe was charged with entering the Bungalow, Rowry, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork as a trespasser and committing theft between 5 and 6 April 2025. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe was accused of stealing 13 Friesian bullocks worth about €9,750, property of Martin Harte, at Lyre, Aughadown, Skibbereen, between 6 and 7 December 2017. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe was charged with stealing four Limousin cows, two Aberdeen Angus and 12 Friesians valued at about €30,000, property of Brian Lawlor, at Lakelands, Skibbereen, on 11 November. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe was charged with stealing three Friesian heifer calves worth about €1,500, property of John Sweetnam, at Corrovolley, Aughadown, Skibbereen, on 4 March 2023. (irishtimes.com)
- courtHe is due to appear before Macroom District Court on 10 December 2025 at 10:30am. (garda.ie, corkbeo.ie)
- courtThe man is due to appear before Macroom District Court on Wednesday 10 December 2025. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtColm Dineen, of Cappaghmore, Ballydehob, appeared before Macroom District Court. (thejournal.ie)
- courtNo bail application was made in the case. (thejournal.ie)
- courtDineen was remanded in custody to appear before Clonakilty District Court on 16 December. (thejournal.ie)
- courtMr Dineen made no reply when the charges were put to him. (rte.ie)
- courtThe defence said no bail application was being made. (rte.ie)
- courtMr Dineen was remanded in custody to appear again at the court the following Tuesday. (rte.ie)
- courtHe appeared before Macroom District Court on Wednesday. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Joanne Carroll directed that Dineen be medically and psychologically assessed while on remand and afforded any necessary treatment. (irishtimes.com)
- courtHe was remanded to appear at Clonakilty District Court on Tuesday. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceJudge Joanne Carroll remanded Mr Dineen in custody and asked the prison governor to provide a psychiatric assessment and appropriate medical and psychiatric care. (rte.ie)
- otherThe stolen cattle were worth about €30,000. (irishtimes.com)
- otherGardaí believe the Friesians are destined for shipment to Northern Ireland. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe theft was described as unusual. (extra.ie)
- otherThe destination of the cattle is unknown. (extra.ie)
- otherWitnesses can contact Skibbereen Garda Station on 028 23088. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe stolen cattle had been given new ear identification tags for dead animals (irishtimes.com)
- otherGardaí recovered the original tags from the stolen cattle (irishtimes.com)
- otherTags found in a shed at the farm matched animals stolen two years ago (irishtimes.com)
- otherOver 50 cattle at the farm could be stolen (irishtimes.com)
- otherTwo balaclavas were recovered from a vehicle at the farm (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe 18 stolen Friesians were returned to their owner, Mr Lawlor (irishtimes.com)
- otherMr Lawlor milks about 200 cows (irishtimes.com)
- otherDineen made no reply when the charges were put to him under caution. (thejournal.ie)
- otherThe judge directed that the defendant be medically assessed and receive necessary medical care in custody. (thejournal.ie)
- otherDineen made no reply to any of the five charges when put to him after caution. (irishtimes.com)
- otherHis defence solicitor Flor Murphy said Dineen was not seeking bail at that point but hoped to apply at the next appearance. (irishtimes.com)
- otherDineen was accompanied in court by his mother and was not on any medication. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 15 Dec2025Man arrested as stolen cattle returned to owner in West Cork
First report of the arrest and recovery of the 18 stolen cattle; the suspect is detained under Section 4 and enquiries are ongoing with the Department of Agriculture.
suspect, 30s, male - 10 Dec2025Farmer appears in court accused over cattle rustling in west Cork
Provides the name and age of the accused (Colm Dineen, 31), details of all five charges with specific dates, locations and values, the court appearance at Macroom District Court, the judge's direction for medical and psychological assessment, and his remand to Clonakilty District Court.
accused, Colm Dineen, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Colm Dineenvictim, Martin Harte, irish (judged from name)Martin Hartevictim, Brian Lawlor, irish (judged from name)Brian Lawlorvictim, Pat O'Donovan, irish (judged from name)Pat O'Donovanvictim, John Sweetnam, irish (judged from name)John Sweetnam - 10 Dec2025Man charged over cattle rustling in Co Cork
Adds that Colm Dineen has now been charged at Macroom District Court, with further theft counts from earlier years, and was remanded in custody with a psychiatric assessment requested. Gardaí had searched a farm in the Ballydehob area and recovered the 18 animals.
accused, Colm Dineen, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Colm Dineenvictim, Brian Lawlor, irish (judged from name)Brian Lawlor - 10 Dec2025Man charged with theft of 42 cattle worth an estimated €53k remanded in custody
Reports the accused's court appearance on several charges, including the 18-cattle theft, and his remand in custody. It adds further theft charges from 2017, 2023, April 2025 and November 2025, and the judge's directions on medical care.
accused, Colm Dineen, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Colm Dineenvictim, Brian Lawlor, irish (judged from name)Brian Lawlorvictim, Martin Harte, irish (judged from name)Martin Hartevictim, John Sweetnam, irish (judged from name)John Sweetnamvictim, Pat O'Donovan, irish (judged from name)Pat O'Donovan - 10 Dec2025Man due in court over late night cattle theft from West Cork farm
The suspect has been formally charged and is due before Macroom District Court on 10 December 2025; the article specifies the cattle were 12 Friesian heifers and six Friesian bulls, and confirms the animals were returned to their owner.
suspect, 30s, male - 10 Dec2025Man due in court after Gardai recover 18 stolen cattle in west Cork
Confirms the man has been charged and is due before Macroom District Court on 10 December 2025; details the coordinated response involving Serious Crime Units in Clonakilty, Bandon and Bantry, the Divisional Search Team and the Department of Agriculture; confirms all 18 cattle were returned to their owner.
suspect, 30s, male - 9 Dec2025Update (1): Court Appearance- Search Operation into stolen cattle in West Cork, Tuesday 9th December 2025
The suspect has been charged and is due before Macroom District Court on 10 December 2025 at 10:30am; investigations are ongoing.
suspect, 30s, male - 8 Dec2025Man arrested after gardaí recover 18 cattle taken by rustlers in west Cork
Provides the suspect's exact age (31), the specific search location (Cappamore between Ballydehob and Skibbereen), the number of officers involved (20 gardaí and 15 Department of Agriculture inspectors), recovery of two balaclavas for forensic examination, and Department of Agriculture findings that tags in a shed match animals stolen two years ago and that over 50 cattle may be stolen with false tags.
victim, Brian Lawlor, male, irish (judged from name)Brian Lawlorsuspect, 31, male - 26 Nov2025Garda witness appeal after cattle stolen from west Cork farm
Earliest report of the theft: gives the 18-cattle breakdown (12 heifers and six bulls), the overnight time window, and a request for road-user camera footage from the R637 and R593 area. It does not mention the later recovery or arrest.
- 26 Nov2025Mystery over destination for 18 cattle taken in ‘unusual’ theft
Only the headline is usable. The body text is an unrendered search-widget template, so the location, date and other details are not stated.
- 24 Nov2025Rustlers who stole cattle in west Cork believed to be the same gang behind 2022 thefts
Original report of the theft: 12 Friesian heifers and six Friesian bulls taken from a shed. Adds Garda links to two 2022 cattle thefts, a belief the animals are destined for Northern Ireland, a Garda source on the likely use of a lorry or tractor and trailer, and an appeal for camera footage from road users between the R637 and R593.