Friday 30 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. 15405Assault causing harm · Co. Laois · 18 Jan 2023

Two men accused of Portlaoise pub assaults seek to withdraw allegations

Finbar O'Rourke (49) and Shane O'Connor (23) are each accused of assault causing harm, each allegedly assaulting the other, at EJ Morrisseys pub on Market Square, Portlaoise, on January 18, 2023. At a Portlaoise District Court sitting reported on November 21, 2024, the defence solicitor said both men wish to withdraw their complaints against each other, and a garda sergeant said a file would have to be sent for a direction. The judge granted legal aid to both men and remanded the case to Portlaoise District Court on February 10, 2025 for an update.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court21 Nov
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Two men are each accused of assault causing harm, each allegedly assaulting the other.
Charges
Finbar O'Rourke (49) and Shane O'Connor (23) are each accused of assault causing harm.
Where
The alleged assaults took place at EJ Morrisseys pub on Market Square, Portlaoise, County Laois.
When
The alleged assaults took place on January 18, 2023.
In court
  • The defence solicitor told Portlaoise District Court that both defendants wish to withdraw their complaints against each other.
  • The judge granted legal aid to both defendants and remanded the case to Portlaoise District Court on February 10, 2025 for an update.
Investigation
A garda sergeant said a file would have to be sent to get a direction in the matter.
Other details
According to his solicitor, Mr O'Rourke was working part time in a retail position and was also renting.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatTwo men are each accused of assault causing harm, each allegedly assaulting the other. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe alleged assaults took place at EJ Morrisseys pub on Market Square, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged assaults took place on January 18, 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationA garda sergeant said a file would have to be sent to get a direction in the matter. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe defence solicitor told Portlaoise District Court that both defendants wish to withdraw their complaints against each other. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge remanded the case back to Portlaoise District Court on February 10, 2025 for an update. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge granted legal aid to both defendants and adjourned the case to February 10. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherMr O'Rourke was working part time in a retail position and was also renting, according to his solicitor. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 21 Nov2024
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Pair accused of Laois pub assaults seek to withdraw allegations

    Court report on the adjourned hearing. Solicitor Philip Meagher appears here as counsel for one accused, not as a suspect, so this is not linked to case 120.

    accused, Finbar O'Rourke, 49, male, named, irish (judged from name)Finbar O'Rourkeaccused, Shane O'Connor, 23, male, named, irish (judged from name)Shane O'Connor