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. 8286Robbery · Co. Clare

Surety approved for man pleading not guilty to Carrigaholt post office robbery

On January 21st, a robbery took place at An Post Carrigaholt in The Square, Carrigaholt, Clare, in which the post-mistress, Maura McKiernan, was robbed of cash, coins and a cheque worth €8,944.63. Four men were charged: Martin Downes (36), Michael McMahon (38), Darren Cassidy (38) and Darragh Pender (30). McMahon, Cassidy and Pender have entered guilty pleas, with sentencing set for November 10th at Ennis Circuit Court, while Martin Downes is pleading not guilty and his trial is due in February of next year. He has been in custody on remand for almost eight months. In a report dated August 10, 2026, Judge Fiona Brennan approved Adrian Downes as independent surety at Ennis District Court on Monday, clearing the way for Martin Downes to secure bail.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court10 Aug
  5. Verdict
  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 Square, Carrigaholt, Clare.
When
The robbery took place on January 21st; the articles give no year.
Other details
  • Martin Downes (36) is of Seafield Park, Quilty.
  • Adrian Downes would lose the €1,000 surety if Martin Downes does not turn up for trial.
  • Martin Downes's bail conditions include no contact with his co-accused and staying out of Kilkee and Carrigaholt.
Charges
  • Michael McMahon (38) pleaded guilty to the robbery.
  • Darren Cassidy (38) affirmed a signed guilty plea at Ennis District Court.
  • Darragh Pender (30) signed a guilty plea to the robbery in the district court.
  • Martin Downes is pleading not guilty to the robbery charge.
In court
  • Martin Downes has been in custody on remand for almost eight months.
  • On Monday at Ennis District Court, Judge Fiona Brennan approved Adrian Downes as independent surety, and gardaí did not object.
  • Martin Downes's trial is due to take place in February of next year.
Sentence
Sentencing for the three co-accused is set for November 10th at Ennis Circuit Court.
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe robbery took place at An Post Carrigaholt in The Square, Carrigaholt. (clareecho.ie)
  • whenThe robbery took place on January 21st. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeMichael McMahon pleaded guilty to robbing the post-mistress of cash, coins and a cheque worth €8,944.63. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeDarren Cassidy affirmed his signed guilty plea at Ennis District Court. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeDarragh Pender signed a guilty plea to the robbery in the district court. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeMartin Downes is pleading not guilty to the robbery charge. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtMartin Downes has been in custody on remand for almost eight months. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtJudge Fiona Brennan approved Adrian Downes as an independent surety at Ennis District Court on Monday. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtGardaí did not object to Adrian Downes acting as independent surety. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtMartin Downes's trial is due to take place in February of next year. (clareecho.ie)
  • sentenceSentencing for the three co-accused is set for November 10th at Ennis Circuit Court. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherAdrian Downes would lose the €1,000 surety if Martin Downes does not turn up for trial. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherMartin Downes's bail conditions include no contact with his co-accused and staying out of Kilkee and Carrigaholt. (clareecho.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 10 Aug2026
    In courtclareecho.ie, first report
    Surety approved to give bail to only man pleading not guilty to robbery of Carrigaholt post office - Clare Echo

    Court report on bail for Martin Downes, who is pleading not guilty, and on the guilty pleas of three co-accused. The article gives the robbery date as January 21st with no year. Downes's trial is due February of next year.

    accused, Martin Downes, 36, male, named, irish (judged from name)Martin Downesaccused, Michael McMahon, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael McMahonaccused, Darren Cassidy, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)Darren Cassidyaccused, Darragh Pender, 30, male, named, irish (judged from name)Darragh Pendervictim, Maura McKiernan, irish (judged from name)Maura McKiernan