Ireland Case No. 0993Violent disorder, threatening and abusive behaviour, possession of offensive weapons · Co. Donegal · 18 Aug 2024
Six men sent for trial over violent disorder at Letterkenny church
A brawl broke out in the porch of the Church of the Irish Martyrs in Letterkenny during Sunday Mass on 18 August 2024, in which slash hooks, an axe, a saw and knives were produced. Six men from the same family were charged with violent disorder and related public order offences. They first appeared at Falcarragh District Court in April 2025, and on 17 September 2025 all six were sent for trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing 28 October 2025. Brian Reilly, 28, remains in custody on other matters while the others were released on bail.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Charged16 Apr
3 reports - In court16 May
6 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A brawl broke out in the porch of the Church of the Irish Martyrs in Letterkenny during Sunday Mass, spilling into the car park, in which slash hooks, an axe, a saw and knives were produced.
- Members of the congregation were forced to remain inside the church following the disturbance.
- Where
- The incident occurred at the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Gortlee Rd, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
- When
- The incident occurred on 18 August 2024 during the 11.30am Mass.
- Charges
- Six men from the same family were charged with violent disorder under section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, along with additional charges of threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of offensive weapons.
- Investigation
- A large squad of armed detectives attended the church grounds at Ballyraine, and a strong Garda presence including the Public Order Unit and Armed Response Unit was maintained at the courthouse.
- In court
- The six men first appeared at Falcarragh District Court on 16 April 2025, where five were granted bail and Brian Reilly was held in custody.
- On 17 September 2025, all six were sent for trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing 28 October 2025, appearing at Falcarragh Circuit Court or Falcarragh District Court as reports differ.
- Other details
- Brian Reilly, 28, is in custody at Midlands Prison on other matters.
- The incident was condemned by parish priest Fr Ciaran Harkin, who said more precautions would be taken to prevent a repeat.
- The charged men were members of the same family, and the dispute was with members of another family.
125 statements extracted from the articles
- whatSix men were charged with violent disorder in connection with an alleged brawl at a church. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatSlash hooks, an axe, a saw and knives were produced during the incident. (irishmirror.ie, donegallive.ie, irishtimes.com)
- whatMembers of the congregation had to be kept inside the church after the incident. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com, donegallive.ie)
- whatAll six men are members of the same family. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
- whatAll six accused men made no reply after being charged. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatSix men appeared in court charged with violent disorder outside a Mass at a Co Donegal church (irishtimes.com)
- whatSlash hooks, an axe, a saw and knives were allegedly produced during the incident (irishtimes.com)
- whatA number of the men were previously charged at Letterkenny District Court with public order incidents relating to the brawl (irishtimes.com)
- whatThere was a strong Garda presence at Letterkenny District Court on Wednesday (irishtimes.com)
- whatMembers of the Garda public order unit and the armed response unit were in the vicinity of the courthouse (irishtimes.com)
- whatAll six men made no reply after being charged (irishtimes.com)
- whatBrian Reilly is in custody in the Midlands Prison (irishtimes.com)
- whatMichael McDonagh, 34, of the Big Isle in Letterkenny, was charged at a previous sitting with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace (irishtimes.com)
- whatGardaí told the court McDonagh was acting in an aggressive manner towards another family. (donegallive.ie)
- whatMass-goers were forced to remain inside during Sunday mass following the disturbance in the porch. (donegallive.ie)
- whatThe argument spilled from the porch into the car park where there was a strong Garda presence. (donegallive.ie)
- whatA number of men were arrested and charged with various offences including public order and possession of offensive weapons. (donegallive.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- whatMass-goers were forced to remain inside Sunday mass following the disturbance in the porch of the church building. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatBrian O'Reilly is aged 29 with an address at Tailteann Drive in Navan, Co Meath. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe production of the offensive weapon was in a church car park in relation to an ongoing dispute with members of another family. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatSix members of the same family are to stand trial following a brawl outside a Co Donegal church while Sunday Mass was being said. (irishtimes.com)
- whatSlash hooks, an axe, a saw and knives were produced during the brawl (thejournal.ie)
- whatA large squad of armed detectives were waiting in the church grounds at Ballyraine (thejournal.ie)
- whereThe disturbance took place at a church in Letterkenny. (donegallive.ie)
- whereThe disturbance spilled outside into the church car park, where there was a strong Garda presence. (donegallive.ie)
- whereFive of the men are from Tailteann Drive, Windtown, Navan, County Meath. (donegallive.ie)
- whereThe incident took place at the Church of the Irish Martyrs in Letterkenny. (irishmirror.ie, donegallive.ie, irishtimes.com)
- whereThe alleged brawl took place at the Church of the Irish Martyrs in Letterkenny (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe disturbance happened outside the Church of the Irish Martyrs in Letterkenny. (donegallive.ie)
- whereThe incident occurred at the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Gortlee Rd, Ballyraine, Letterkenny. (donegallive.ie)
- whereThe argument spilled outside into the car park of the church. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe incident occurred at the Church of the Irish Martyrs in Letterkenny (thejournal.ie)
- whenThe six men appeared before Falcarragh District Court on Wednesday morning. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe row broke out at the Church of the Irish Martyrs during 11.30am Mass on 18 August 2024. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe incident occurred on 18 August 2024. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com, donegallive.ie)
- whenThe incident happened on Sunday during mass. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe disturbance happened on 18 August 2024. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe incident occurred at the Church of the Irish Martyrs in Letterkenny on 18 August 2024. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe incident occurred during the 11:30am mass. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe incident occurred on 18 August 2024 during 11am Mass. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe incident took place during 11am mass on 18 August 2024 (thejournal.ie)
- weaponA slash hook, an axe, kitchen knives and garden saws were produced during the incident. (donegallive.ie)
- investigationDetective gardaí gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of the men. (donegallive.ie)
- investigationThere was a strong Garda presence including uniformed members, detectives, and the Garda Armed Response Unit. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationA large squad of detectives, some armed, were waiting in the grounds of the church at Ballyraine. (donegallive.ie)
- investigationA large squad of detectives, some armed, attended the grounds of the church at Ballyraine to deal with the disturbance. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeEach man was charged with violent disorder. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeThe violent disorder charge is contrary to section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. (donegallive.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- chargeBrian Reilly was also charged with producing a slash hook in a church car park. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeThe slash hook charge is contrary to section 9 (5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990. (donegallive.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- chargeThomas Reilly was earlier charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeThe charge is contrary to section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
- chargeMichael Reilly Junior, 31, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of a small axe and two sharp kitchen knives. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeMichael Reilly Senior, 57, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of a slash-hook. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeThomas Reilly, 22, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of a foldable garden saw. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeJohn Paul Reilly, 30, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of a foldable garden saw. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeBrian Reilly was charged with producing a slash hook under Section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeGary Reilly, 20, was charged with violent disorder on the same date. (irishmirror.ie, donegallive.ie)
- chargeMcDonagh is charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeThe charges also included drug-driving offences at Drumnahoagh, Letterkenny and on the N14 at Lifford. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeHe is charged with violent disorder under Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeHe is charged with production of a slash hook as an offensive weapon under Section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeHe is charged with violent disorder with Michael Reilly Snr, Michael Reilly Jnr, Thomas Reilly, Gary Reilly and John Paul Reilly. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeHe is charged with having a slash hook in a public place intended to cause injury, incapacitate or intimidate a person. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeMichael Reilly Jr (31) was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and had a small axe and two sharp kitchen knives. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeMichael Reilly Sr (57) was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of a slash-hook. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeThomas Reilly (22) and John Paul Reilly (30) were charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and had a foldable garden saw. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeBrian Reilly (28) is charged with producing a slash hook under section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeThe charge against Brian Reilly was contrary to section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeJohn Paul Reilly (30) was also charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of a foldable garden saw. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeAll six were charged with committing violent disorder under section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeMichael Reilly Jr was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, and having a small axe and two sharp kitchen knives. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeMichael Reilly Sr was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and possession of a slash-hook with intention to cause injury or intimidate. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThomas Reilly and John Paul Reilly were charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and having a foldable garden saw with intention to cause injury or intimidate. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeBrian Reilly was charged with producing a slash hook under section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990, in relation to an ongoing dispute with members of another family. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeGary Reilly was charged with violent disorder on the same date. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeMichael Reilly Jr (31) of Lucan, Dublin was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and had a small axe and two sharp kitchen knives (thejournal.ie)
- chargeMichael Reilly Sr (57) of Navan, Co Meath was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of a slash-hook (thejournal.ie)
- chargeThomas Reilly (22) and John Paul Reilly (30) of Navan, Co Meath were charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and had a foldable garden saw (thejournal.ie)
- chargeBrian Reilly (28) was charged with producing a slash hook as an offensive weapon in a church car park under section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 (thejournal.ie)
- chargeGary Reilly (20) of Navan was charged with violent disorder (thejournal.ie)
- courtPreviously, four of the same men had been brought to court in relation to the incident. (donegallive.ie)
- courtFive of the men had no objection to bail. (donegallive.ie)
- courtNo bail application was made for Brian Reilly, who is in custody. (donegallive.ie)
- courtBrian Reilly's case was adjourned to a special sitting of Sligo District Court on 22 April by video link. (donegallive.ie)
- courtOther matters were adjourned until 17 September 2025 for the service of books of evidence. (donegallive.ie)
- courtMr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor, represented all the accused, and each was granted legal aid. (donegallive.ie)
- courtThe men were granted bail on condition that they sign on three times a week at their local Garda station and be of good behaviour. (donegallive.ie)
- courtA strong Garda presence was at Letterkenny District Court, including the Garda Public Order Unit and Armed Response Unit. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtDetective Garda Gerard McCready and Detective Garda Stephen McGonigle gave evidence of charging all six men. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtAll six were represented by solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtFive of the accused men had their cases adjourned until September 17 for the service of a book of evidence. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtBrian Reilly's case was adjourned to a special sitting of Sligo District Court by videolink on April 22. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtFive of the accused had their cases adjourned until 17 September for service of a book of evidence (irishtimes.com)
- courtAll matters will be tried by indictment at Letterkenny Circuit Court (irishtimes.com)
- courtMcDonagh was not in court but had pleaded to a number of charges. (donegallive.ie)
- courtThe judge said no order could be made in McDonagh's absence. (donegallive.ie)
- courtOthers involved in the incident had been sent forward for trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court. (donegallive.ie)
- courtThe case was adjourned until 3 July 2025. (donegallive.ie)
- courtBrian O'Reilly appeared by videolink at Letterkenny District Court before Judge Brendan O'Reilly. (donegallive.ie)
- courtThe solicitor asked for all matters to be linked for the client to appear on 17 September for service of a book of evidence. (donegallive.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe accused appeared by video-link at Letterkenny District Court before Judge Brendan O'Reilly. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtFive men appeared in person and one by videolink before Judge Brendan O'Reilly at Falcarragh Circuit Court. (donegallive.ie)
- courtAll six will go forward for trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing 28 October. (donegallive.ie)
- courtAll were released on bail apart from Brian Reilly, who is in custody on other matters. (donegallive.ie)
- courtJudge O'Reilly issued the alibi warning to all accused men. (donegallive.ie)
- courtThe six will go forward for trial at the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing on 28 October. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge issued the alibi warning to all accused men and adjourned the cases until 28 October. (irishtimes.com)
- courtAll six were sent for trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing 28 October (thejournal.ie)
- otherMass was interrupted and parishioners were asked to remain inside the church. (donegallive.ie)
- otherBrian Reilly, 28, is currently in custody at Midlands Prison. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherMcDonagh was reportedly overheard saying 'you will get it - bang, bang.' (donegallive.ie)
- otherThe church was holding a funeral mass at the time of the disturbance. (donegallive.ie)
- otherThose charged were all members of two rival families. (donegallive.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- otherBrian O'Reilly is 29 and has an address at Tailteann Drive in Navan, Co Meath. (donegallive.ie)
- otherThe accused is currently serving a sentence. (donegallive.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe slash hook was produced in a church car park in relation to an ongoing dispute with members of another family. (donegallive.ie)
- otherParish priest Fr Ciaran Harkin said more precautions would be taken to ensure a similar incident would not take place again. (donegallive.ie)
- otherParish priest Fr Ciaran Harkin said more precautions would be taken to prevent a repeat of the incident. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe incident was strongly condemned by parish priest Fr Ciaran Harkin. (donegallive.ie, irishtimes.com)
- otherLegal aid was granted to solicitor Mr Gallagher and one junior counsel was assigned to the six accused. (donegallive.ie)
- otherAll apart from Brian Reilly were released on bail. (irishtimes.com)
- otherLegal aid was granted to solicitor Patsy Gallagher and one junior counsel was assigned to the six accused. (irishtimes.com, thejournal.ie)
- otherThe incident was condemned by parish priest Fr Ciaran Harkin (thejournal.ie)
- otherAll were released on bail except Brian Reilly who is held in custody on other matters (thejournal.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 18 Sep2025Six members of same family in court after brawl outside Donegal church during mass
Reports the Falcarragh District Court hearing where all six were sent for trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court; details specific weapons and charges for each accused; Brian Reilly held in custody on other matters; legal aid granted and junior counsel assigned.
suspect, Michael Reilly Jr, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly Jrsuspect, Michael Reilly Sr, 57, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly Srsuspect, Thomas Reilly, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Reillysuspect, John Paul Reilly, 30, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Paul Reillysuspect, Brian Reilly, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brian Reillysuspect, Gary Reilly, 20, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gary Reilly - 18 Sep2025Six family members to stand trial after church brawl in Donegal
First report of the court appearance and charges for the six Reilly family members in connection with the August 2024 church brawl in Letterkenny.
accused, Michael Reilly Jr, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly Jraccused, Michael Reilly Sr, 57, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly Sraccused, Thomas Reilly, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Reillyaccused, John Paul Reilly, 30, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Paul Reillyaccused, Brian Reilly, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brian Reillyaccused, Gary Reilly, 20, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gary Reilly - 17 Sep2025Six members of the same family are to stand trial for Letterkenny church brawl
Reports the Falcarragh Circuit Court hearing on 17 September 2025 where all six were sent for trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court from 28 October 2025. Details individual charges for each accused, notes Brian Reilly is in custody on other matters, and that legal aid was granted with one junior counsel assigned.
accused, Michael Reilly Jr, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly Jraccused, Michael Reilly Sr, 57, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly Sraccused, Thomas Reilly, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Reillyaccused, John Paul Reilly, 30, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Paul Reillyaccused, Brian Reilly, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brian Reillyaccused, Gary Reilly, 20, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gary Reilly - 8 Aug2025Man charged with having a slash hook during row at church mass
Details of the specific charges (violent disorder under Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, and possession of a slash hook under Section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990), the fact the accused is currently serving a sentence, and the solicitor's request to link matters for a 17 September hearing for service of a book of evidence.
suspect, Brian O'Reilly, 29, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brian O'Reillysuspect, Michael Reilly Snr, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly Snrsuspect, Michael Reilly Jnr, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly Jnrsuspect, Thomas Reilly, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Reillysuspect, Gary Reilly, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gary Reillysuspect, John Paul Reilly, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Paul Reilly - 8 Aug2025Man charged with having a slash hook at Letterkenny church disturbance
Brian O'Reilly's specific court appearance; he is currently serving a sentence; solicitor Patsy Gallagher requested linking of cases for 17 September for service of a book of evidence; parish priest Fr Ciaran Harkin's statement about precautions to prevent a repeat.
accused, Brian O'Reilly, 29, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brian O'Reilly - 16 May2025Man ordered to appear in court following Letterkenny Church fracas
Adds that McDonagh is 35 and was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour, not violent disorder; he was not in court and had pleaded to several charges, including drug-driving offences from 2021 and 2024; the case was adjourned to 3 July 2025.
accused, Michael McDonagh, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael McDonagh - 16 Apr2025Six relatives charged with violent disorder outside Donegal Mass
Reports the charging of six Reilly family members with violent disorder and additional public order offences at Letterkenny District Court, with five cases adjourned to 17 September for service of a book of evidence and all matters to be tried by indictment at Letterkenny Circuit Court.
accused, Michael Reilly jnr, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly jnraccused, Michael Reilly snr, 57, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly snraccused, Thomas Reilly, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Reillyaccused, John Paul Reilly, 30, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Paul Reillyaccused, Brian Reilly, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brian Reillyaccused, Gary Reilly, 20, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gary Reillyaccused, Michael McDonagh, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael McDonagh - 16 Apr2025Six men in court charged with violent disorder outside Sunday mass
Reports the charging of six Reilly family men with violent disorder and related public order offences at Letterkenny District Court on 16 April 2025, in connection with a brawl at the Church of the Irish Martyrs on 18 August 2024. Details weapons used, prior charges, custody status, and adjournment dates.
accused, Michael Reilly Junior, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly Junioraccused, Michael Reilly Senior, 57, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly Senioraccused, Thomas Reilly, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Reillyaccused, John Paul Reilly, 30, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Paul Reillyaccused, Brian Reilly, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brian Reillyaccused, Gary Reilly, 20, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gary Reillyaccused, Michael McDonagh, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael McDonagh - 16 Apr2025Men charged with violent disorder at Sunday Mass in Letterkenny
Reports the first court appearance on Wednesday 16 April 2025 at Falcarragh District Court, with names, ages, bail conditions and the charges for each man. It also adds Michael McDonagh (35) as a charged man and a slash hook charge against Brian Reilly. Case 1843 gives Letterkenny District Court as the venue, which this article does not match.
accused, Gary Reilly, 20, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gary Reillyaccused, John Paul Reilly, 30, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Paul Reillyaccused, Michael Reilly Junior, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly Junioraccused, Michael Reilly Senior, 57, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Reilly Senioraccused, Thomas Reilly, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Reillyaccused, Brian Reilly, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brian Reillyaccused, Michael McDonagh, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael McDonagh