Ireland Case No. 3333Trespass (with intent to commit criminal damage) · Co. Clare · 25 Apr 2017
Peace activists appeal Shannon Airport trespass conviction to Supreme Court
Dan Dowling and Edward Horgan, convicted of trespass at Shannon Airport in 2017 after writing an anti-war slogan on a US naval aircraft, argued before a five-judge Supreme Court panel that their actions were a lawful excuse to protect lives. Chief Justice Donal O'Donnell reserved judgment.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court16 Apr
- Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports5 statements extracted from the articles
- whenThe incident at Shannon Airport occurred on 25 April 2017. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe trespass charge was under section 11 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe pair were acquitted of criminal damage but convicted of trespass in January 2023. (irishtimes.com)
- otherBoth men represented themselves at their trial, and only Horgan gave evidence. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission argued the right to protest is relevant to whether a conviction should stand. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 16 Apr2026Peace activist’s trespass at US aircraft in Shannon Airport was to protect lives, court hears
Supreme Court heard the appeal on whether the defence of necessity is available for a trespass charge under section 11 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994; judgment reserved by Chief Justice Donal O'Donnell.
convicted, Dan Dowling, early 40s, male, named, irish (judged from name)Dan Dowlingconvicted, Edward Horgan, 76, male, named, irish (judged from name)Edward Horgan