Trial date for man accused of murdering Denis Donaldson to be fixed
Denis Donaldson, a 55-year-old British man, was shot dead at a remote cottage near Glenties, Co Donegal, between 3 and 4 April 2006, months after he was exposed as a paid agent for Special Branch and MI5. Antoin Duffy, a man in his 40s, was extradited from Scotland earlier this year and charged with the murder, the attempted murder of Liam Copeland McGinley in November 2007, and possession of a shotgun and ammunition. Duffy appeared before the non-jury Special Criminal Court via video-link from prison on 12 October 2026, where Judge Caroline Biggs gave the alibi warning. The case was adjourned to 9 November 2026, when a trial date is expected to be set.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court12 Oct
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Denis Donaldson, a 55-year-old British man, was shot dead at a remote cottage near Glenties, Co Donegal, between 3 and 4 April 2006.
- Where
- The murder is charged as having taken place in Cloghercor, Doochary, Co Donegal, and the attempted murder of Liam Copeland McGinley at Meenaboll, Co Donegal, on 19 November 2007.
- Weapon
- A shotgun and ammunition are the weapons charged in connection with both the 2006 killing and the 2007 attempted murder.
- Charges
- Antoin Duffy, a man in his 40s of no fixed address, is charged with the murder of Donaldson, the attempted murder of McGinley, and possession of a shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life.
- Investigation
- Duffy was extradited from Scotland earlier in 2026.
- In court
- Duffy appeared before the non-jury Special Criminal Court via video-link from prison on 12 October 2026, where his barrister confirmed he had been served with the book of evidence and his solicitor Cormac McDonnell was seeking legal aid.
- Judge Caroline Biggs gave the alibi warning and required details within 14 days.
- The case was adjourned to 9 November 2026, when a trial date is expected to be set.
- Other details
- Donaldson was exposed as a paid agent for Special Branch and MI5 since the 1980s, and the Real IRA claimed the killing in 2009.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatDonaldson, aged 55, was shot dead at a remote cottage near Glenties. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationDuffy was extradited from Scotland earlier this year. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeDuffy is charged with the murder of Donaldson in Cloghercor, Doochary, Co Donegal, between April 3rd and 4th, 2006. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeDuffy is charged with the attempted murder of Liam Copeland McGinley at Meenaboll in Co Donegal on 19 November 2007. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeDuffy is charged with possession of a shotgun and possession of ammunition on 19 November 2007. (irishtimes.com)
- courtAntoin Duffy appeared before the non-jury Special Criminal Court via video-link from prison. (irishtimes.com)
- courtA barrister representing Duffy confirmed he had been served with the book of evidence. (irishtimes.com)
- courtDuffy's solicitor is Cormac McDonnell and he is seeking legal aid. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Caroline Biggs gave the alibi warning and required details within 14 days. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case was adjourned until 9 November 2026 when a trial date is expected to be set. (irishtimes.com)
- otherDonaldson was exposed as a paid agent for Special Branch and MI5 since the 1980s. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe Real IRA claimed the killing in 2009. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 12 Oct2026Trial date for man accused of murdering Denis Donaldson to be fixed next month
First court appearance via video-link; charges confirmed including murder, attempted murder and firearm possession; case adjourned to 9 November 2026 for trial date to be set.
victim, Denis Donaldson, 55, male, British, non-irishDenis Donaldsonvictim, Liam Copeland McGinley, male, irish (judged from name)Liam Copeland McGinleyaccused, Antoin Duffy, 40s, male, named, irish (judged from name)Antoin Duffy