Thursday 29 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. 10554Attempted burglary · Co. Louth · 20 Aug 2024

Man sentenced to six months over attempted burglary at Maxol, Dundalk

John Keenan, a 26-year-old man, was linked to an attempted break-in at Maxol on Dublin Road, Dundalk, in the early hours of 20 August 2024. CCTV showed a man at the rear bin area around 4am trying a back door, and a man returning minutes later without his face covered; he was arrested the next day after being spotted wearing the same clothing. He was charged with attempting to commit a burglary at the premises and appeared by video link before Dundalk District Court. A report published on 10 March 2026 said Judge Derek Cooney had sentenced him to six months.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced10 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • A 26-year-old man, John Keenan, was linked to an attempted break-in at Maxol.
  • He opened an automatic door but could not gain entry because the shutters were down.
Where
The premises is Maxol on Dublin Road, Dundalk, County Louth.
When
The incident happened on 20 August 2024, at about 4am.
Investigation
  • CCTV captured a man entering the rear bin area and trying to open a back door.
  • He returned minutes later without his face covered and was clearly identifiable on CCTV.
  • He was arrested the next day after being spotted wearing the same clothing.
Charges
He was charged with attempting to commit a burglary at Maxol on 20 August 2024.
In court
He appeared before Dundalk District Court by video link.
Sentence
Judge Derek Cooney imposed a six-month sentence, reported on 10 March 2026.
Cause
John Keenan told gardaí he was trying to access the shop for somewhere to sleep.
Other details
At the time of the charge he had an address at St Joseph's Homeless Aid, North Strand, Drogheda.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA 26-year-old man was linked to an attempted break-in at Maxol after he returned to the scene without his face covered. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • whatHe opened an automatic door, but the shutters were down and he could not gain entry. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • whereThe premises was Maxol on Dublin Road, Dundalk. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • investigationCCTV captured a man entering the rear bin area at about 4am, where he tried to open a back door. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • investigationHe returned minutes later without his face covered and was clearly identifiable. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • investigationHe was arrested the next day when spotted wearing the same clothing. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with attempting to burgle Maxol on Dublin Road, Dundalk, on 20 August 2024. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • courtHe appeared before the court by video link. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Derek Cooney imposed a six-month sentence. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherJohn Keenan told gardaí he was trying to access the shop for somewhere to sleep. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 10 Mar2026
    Sentenceddundalkdemocrat.ie, first report
    Man returned to scene of attempted burglary in Dundalk without his face covered

    Reports the sentencing of John Keenan for the attempted burglary, with details of the CCTV evidence, his arrest and the six-month sentence imposed by Judge Derek Cooney.

    convicted, John Keenan, 26, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Keenan