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. 7354Sexual offences (rape, oral rape and sexual assault) · Co. Mayo

Two brothers sentenced to seven years for sexually assaulting cousin as a child

Aidan Gallagher (40) and Thomas Gallagher (38) sexually assaulted their cousin Danielle Gallagher (33) between 1998 and 2003, when she was between eight and 12. Aidan's offences took place in sheds around their homes and Thomas's at the family's then home in Dadreen, Co Mayo. A Central Criminal Court jury sitting in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, convicted both men in May 2023. On 16 October 2023 Aidan was jailed for five years with two years post-release supervision and Thomas for two years, a term reduced because he has motor neuron disease, and the judge directed the Prison Service to report on its ability to facilitate Thomas's illness.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced16 Oct
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Two brothers sexually assaulted their cousin when she was between the ages of eight and 12.
Where
  • Aidan Gallagher's offences took place in sheds around their homes.
  • Thomas Gallagher's offences took place at the family's then home in Dadreen, Co Mayo.
When
The offences occurred between 1999 and 2003, though one report gives Aidan Gallagher's dates as between 1998 and 2003.
Charges
  • Aidan Gallagher was convicted of six charges of oral rape of his cousin.
  • Thomas Gallagher was convicted of one charge of rape and seven charges of sexual assault.
In court
A Central Criminal Court jury sitting in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, convicted the brothers in May 2023.
Sentence
  • Aidan Gallagher was jailed for five years and placed under two years post-release supervision.
  • Thomas Gallagher was jailed for two years, a term reduced from his original sentence due to a severe medical condition.
  • The judge reduced the headline sentence from 10 years to six years because both men were minors at the time of the offending.
Other details
  • Thomas Gallagher has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease and is terminally ill.
  • The judge directed the Prison Service to report on its ability to facilitate Thomas Gallagher's illness.
  • The men were not entitled to credit for a guilty plea and had not shown remorse.
  • Aidan Gallagher's ordination as a priest was deferred following the allegations.
  • The brothers have no previous convictions.
16 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatTwo brothers sexually assaulted their cousin when she was between the ages of eight and 12. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereAidan Gallagher's offences took place in sheds around their homes. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThomas Gallagher's offences took place at the family's then home in Dadreen. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe offences occurred between 1999 and 2003. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeAidan Gallagher was convicted of six charges of oral rape of his cousin. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThomas Gallagher was convicted of one charge of rape and seven charges of sexual assault. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe brothers were convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury sitting in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceAidan Gallagher was jailed for five years and placed under two years post-release supervision. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThomas Gallagher was jailed for two years. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe judge reduced the headline sentence from 10 years to six years because both men were minors at the time of the offending. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThomas Gallagher's prison term was reduced to two years due to his severe medical condition. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThomas Gallagher has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease and is terminally ill. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe judge directed the Prison Service to report on its ability to facilitate Thomas Gallagher's illness. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe men were not entitled to credit for a guilty plea and had not shown remorse. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherAidan Gallagher's ordination as a priest was deferred following the allegations. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe brothers have no previous convictions. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 16 Oct2023
    Sentencedirishtimes.com, first report
    Two brothers who sexually assaulted cousin when she was a child sentenced to seven years

    Reports the sentencing of Aidan Gallagher and Thomas Gallagher after their jury convictions. Sets out the sentences, the reduction for Thomas Gallagher's terminal illness, and the Prison Service report ordered. No existing case matches.

    victim, Danielle Gallagher, 33, female, irish (judged from name)Danielle Gallagherconvicted, Aidan Gallagher, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aidan Gallagherconvicted, Thomas Gallagher, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Gallagher