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. 8410Robbery · Co. Clare · 21 Jan 2026

Second man pleads guilty to Carrigaholt post office robbery

On 21 January 2026, cash, coins and a cheque worth €8,944.63 were taken from post-mistress Maura McKiernan at An Post Carrigaholt in the west Clare village of Carrigaholt. Gardaí said four men were involved, and the four accused were later apprehended by the Garda Armed Response Unit after a car chase across west Clare. In July 2026, Michael McMahon (38) of Kilkishen pleaded guilty at Ennis Circuit Court to robbery, becoming the second of four accused to do so. The case was adjourned to 13 October to fix a sentence date, and the defence accepts that a custodial sentence will be imposed.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted31 Jul
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Cash, coins and a cheque worth €8,944.63 were taken from the post-mistress, Maura McKiernan.
Where
The robbery took place at An Post Carrigaholt in the west Clare village of Carrigaholt.
When
The robbery occurred on 21 January 2026.
Other details
  • Gardaí said the four men were part of a joint enterprise involving two getaway drivers and two men who entered the premises.
  • Michael McMahon has been in custody since the offence in January.
  • The other accused are Darren Cassidy (38), Darragh Pender (30) and Martin Downes (36).
Weapon
Gardaí said the post-mistress was assaulted with iron bars.
Investigation
The four accused were apprehended by the Garda Armed Response Unit after a car chase across west Clare.
Charges
Michael McMahon (38) of Kilkishen pleaded guilty to robbery contrary to Section 14 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
In court
  • Michael McMahon pleaded guilty at Ennis Circuit Court.
  • Michael McMahon is the second of four accused to plead guilty to the robbery.
  • The case was adjourned to 13 October to fix a date for sentence.
Sentence
  • The defence accepts that a custodial sentence will be imposed.
  • A sentencing hearing is expected in the autumn.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatCash, coins and a cheque worth €8,944.63 were taken from the post-mistress. (clareecho.ie)
  • whereThe robbery took place at a post office in the west Clare village of Carrigaholt. (clareecho.ie)
  • whenThe robbery occurred on 21 January. (clareecho.ie)
  • investigationGardaí said the four men were part of a joint enterprise involving two getaway drivers and two men who entered the premises. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeMichael McMahon pleaded guilty to robbery contrary to Section 14 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtMichael McMahon pleaded guilty at Ennis Circuit Court. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtMichael McMahon is the second of four accused to plead guilty to the robbery. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned to 13 October to fix a date for sentence, and a sentencing hearing is expected in the autumn. (clareecho.ie)
  • sentenceThe defence accepts that a custodial sentence will be imposed. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherGardaí said the post-mistress was assaulted with iron bars. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherThe four accused were apprehended by the Garda Armed Response Unit after a car chase across west Clare. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherMichael McMahon has been in custody since the offence in January. (clareecho.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 31 Jul2026
    Convictedclareecho.ie, first report
    Second Clare man enters guilty plea to Carrigaholt robbery in the Circuit Court - Clare Echo

    Reports a second guilty plea in the Carrigaholt post office robbery at Ennis Circuit Court, the custodial sentence accepted by the defence, the adjournment to 13 October for sentence and details of the alleged assault and getaway cars.

    convicted, Michael McMahon, 38, named, irish (judged from name)Michael McMahonvictim, Maura McKiernan, irish (judged from name)Maura McKiernanaccused, Darren Cassidy, 38, named, irish (judged from name)Darren Cassidyaccused, Darragh Pender, 30, named, irish (judged from name)Darragh Penderaccused, Martin Downes, 36, named, irish (judged from name)Martin Downes