Wednesday 28 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. 5844Possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply · Co. Clare · 9 Apr 2021

Man sentenced for cocaine supply in Ennis, Co Clare, with sentence deferred for child's communion

On April 9, 2021, cocaine worth €28,000 was found at an address on the Lahinch Road in Ennis, Co Clare. Sean Fitzsimons, a 35-year-old man of Derrymore, Tulla Rd, Ennis, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply. On 17 May 2024 at Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford imposed a sentence that sources describe differently, as 16 months in one article and as 32 months with the final 16 suspended in the case details. The judge deferred the start of the custodial part by one week so Fitzsimons could attend his child's First Holy Communion, and he is to present himself for prison next Thursday.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced17 May
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The case involved cocaine worth €28,000.
Where
The cocaine was found at an address on the Lahinch Road in Ennis, Co Clare.
When
The offence took place on April 9, 2021.
Charges
Sean Fitzsimons, 35, of Derrymore, Tulla Rd, Ennis, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply under Section 15(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Cause
The judge said Fitzsimons became involved in drug activities because he was a drug user.
Other details
  • The judge accepted Garda evidence that there was duress on Fitzsimons.
  • The court heard that Fitzsimons is a father of five and that the judge commented on his remorse and family circumstances.
In court
Judge Francis Comerford sentenced Fitzsimons at Ennis Circuit Court on 17 May 2024.
Sentence
  • One article reports a 16-month prison term, while the case details report a 32-month sentence with the final 16 months suspended for three years.
  • The judge deferred the start of the custodial part by one week so Fitzsimons could attend his child's First Holy Communion.
  • Fitzsimons is ordered to present himself for prison next Thursday instead of immediately.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe case involved €28,000 worth of cocaine. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe cocaine was found at an address on the Lahinch Road in Ennis. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe offence took place on April 9, 2021. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeThe judge said Fitzsimons became involved in drug activities because he was a drug user. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeFitzsimons pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe sentence was imposed at Ennis Circuit Court by Judge Francis Comerford. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceFitzsimons received a 32-month prison sentence, with the final 16 months suspended for three years. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge ordered Fitzsimons to present himself for prison next Thursday instead of immediately. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe judge accepted Garda evidence that there was duress on Fitzsimons. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 17 May2024
    Sentencedirishmirror.ie, first report
    Judge defers imprisonment of cocaine delivery man so he can attend communion

    Court report on a sentencing from Ennis Circuit Court. The sentence was a 32-month term with the final 16 months suspended for three years, and the start of the custodial part was deferred by one week. The article also gives the judge's comments on duress and the defendant's remorse and family circumstances.

    convicted, Sean Fitzsimons, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)Sean Fitzsimons