Man sent for trial over arson attacks on church, Orange hall and Masonic hall in St Johnston, Co Donegal
Three fires broke out at St Baithin's Church, the Royal Orange Hall and the St Johnston Masonic Hall in St Johnston, Co Donegal, on 29 August 2024. Ryan McCrabbe, 28, of McCann's Corner, St Johnston, was charged with three counts of arson under Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act 1991. He appeared at Letterkenny District Court on 15 September 2025, made no reply when a book of evidence was served, and the DPP consented to his trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing 28 October. Legal aid was granted and he is represented by junior and senior counsel.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court15 Sep
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Three fires broke out at St Baithin's Church, the Royal Orange Hall and the St Johnston Masonic Hall.
- Where
- The buildings are in St Johnston, east Co Donegal.
- When
- The fires occurred on 29 August 2024.
- Charges
- Ryan McCrabbe, 28, of McCann's Corner, St Johnston, was charged with three counts of arson under Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act 1991.
- In court
- He appeared at Letterkenny District Court on 15 September 2025 and was served a book of evidence.
- The DPP consented to his trial at the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court, commencing 28 October.
- Other details
- McCrabe made no reply when the book of evidence was served and did not speak during the hearing.
- Defence solicitor Patsy Gallagher told the court the accused suffers from medical issues and receives weekly treatment.
- Legal aid was granted and McCrabbe is represented by junior and senior counsel.
- An alibi warning was issued to the accused.
6 statements extracted from the articles
- whenThe three arson charges follow fires at buildings in St Johnston on 29 August 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe is charged with arson at the Royal Orange Hall, Main Street, St Johnston, under Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act 1991. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe is charged with arson at the St Johnston Masonic Hall, Church Lane, on the same date. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe DPP consented to his trial at the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court, commencing 28 October. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe accused made no reply when the book of evidence was served and did not speak during the hearing. (irishtimes.com)
- otherDefence solicitor Patsy Gallagher noted the client suffers from medical issues and receives weekly treatment. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 15 Sep2025Man sent for trial over arson attacks on Co Donegal church, Orange hall and Masonic hall
Reports the court appearance where McCrabbe was served a book of evidence on three arson charges, the DPP's consent to trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court, the alibi warning, and the granting of legal aid and representation by junior and senior counsel.
accused, Ryan McCrabbe, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Ryan McCrabbe