Ireland Three plead guilty to violent disorder over Portlaoise attack on two workers
On 8 November 2025 at about 3am, two foreign workers were approached by a number of individuals as they returned to their car at Lyster Square in Portlaoise. Padraig Donagher (21), Ali Heffernan (20) and Chelsea Keogh (19) were charged in connection with the incident, and CCTV showed Donagher striking one of the men, which he later admitted. A further co-accused was reported to have responded aggressively and attacked both injured parties. As reported on 1 August 2026, the three accused pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Portlaoise District Court, and the judge requested probation and welfare reports and victim impact statements before adjourning the case to 9 November.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Convicted1 Aug
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Two foreign workers were attacked at Lyster Square in Portlaoise.
- Where
- The attack happened at Lyster Square in Portlaoise.
- When
- The incident happened on 8 November 2025 at about 3am.
- Cause
- The two workers were returning to their car when a number of individuals approached them.
- Investigation
- CCTV showed Padraig Donagher striking one of the men, and he later admitted striking him.
- Other details
- A further co-accused was reported to have responded aggressively and attacked both injured parties.
- Charges
- Padraig Donagher (21), Ali Heffernan (20) and Chelsea Keogh (19) were charged in connection with the incident.
- Padraig Donagher, Ali Heffernan and Chelsea Keogh each admitted engaging in violent disorder at Lyster Square.
- In court
- The case is before Portlaoise District Court.
- None of the accused had previous convictions.
- The judge requested probation and welfare reports on each accused and victim impact statements from the two injured parties.
- The case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 9 November.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThree people pleaded guilty to violent disorder over an attack on two foreign workers in Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatTwo workers were returning to their car when a number of individuals approached them. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whereThe attack happened at Lyster Square in Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe incident happened on 8 November 2025 at about 3am. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationCCTV showed Padraig Donagher striking one of the men, and he later admitted striking him. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeThree people were charged in connection with the incident. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe case is before Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtNone of the accused had previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe judge requested probation and welfare reports on each accused and victim impact statements from the two injured parties. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe judge adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on 9 November. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherAnother co-accused responded aggressively and attacked both injured parties. (leinsterexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 1 Aug2026Guilty pleas in connection with attack on two foreign nationals in Portlaoise
Reports that three accused pleaded guilty to violent disorder, that a probation and welfare report and victim impact statements were requested, and that the case was adjourned to 9 November.
convicted, Padraig Donagher, 21, named, irish (judged from name)Padraig Donagherconvicted, Ali Heffernan, 20, named, irish (judged from name)Ali Heffernanconvicted, Chelsea Keogh, 19, named, irish (judged from name)Chelsea Keoghvictim, non-irish (judged from name)victim, non-irish (judged from name)