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. 9319Terrorism-related attempt to damage by fire (attempted arson) and possession of weapons and an explosive substance · Co. Galway · 4 Nov 2025

Two men plead guilty over attempted arson at Galway mosque

Between 4 and 5 November 2025, an attempt was made to damage Maryam Mosque in Galway by fire, which the offence is described as terrorism-related. The suspects are four men: Garrett Pollock, Darren Gorman, Charles Flynn and Karolis Peckauskas. Pollock and Gorman pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, a development reported on 8 June 2026, while Flynn and Peckauskas have not yet entered pleas. The latest development is that a mention hearing for Flynn and Peckauskas was granted for 29 June, when Pollock and Gorman are also due to appear by video link.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court1 Jun
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Two men pleaded guilty to a terrorism-related attempt to damage Maryam Mosque in Galway by fire.
Where
The attempt targeted Maryam Mosque in Galway, County Galway.
When
The attempt took place between 4 and 5 November 2025.
Other details
  • The four suspects are Garrett Pollock, Darren Gorman, Charles Flynn and Karolis Peckauskas, all men.
  • The sources do not state the ages or nationalities of the suspects.
  • Gardaí told the court they believed an attack on the Galway mosque was imminent.
Investigation
  • An Garda Síochána and the PSNI are cooperating on a probe into an alleged plot by the Irish Defence Army to attack the mosque.
  • Gardaí seized a manifesto document outlining an intention to attack the mosque.
Weapon
Pollock and Peckauskas are also charged with possession of weapons and an explosive substance.
Charges
The offence was described as aggravated by hatred.
In court
  • Pollock and Gorman pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin; the article text gives 8 June 2026 as the date of the pleas, while its listed publication date is 1 June 2026.
  • Flynn and Peckauskas have not yet entered pleas.
  • Barristers for Flynn and Peckauskas requested a mention hearing for Monday 29 June, and this was granted.
  • Pollock and Gorman are due to appear by video link on 29 June.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatTwo men pleaded guilty to a terrorism-related attempt to damage a Galway mosque. (thejournal.ie)
  • whereThe attempt targeted Maryam Mosque in Galway. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenThe attempt took place between 4 and 5 November 2025. (thejournal.ie)
  • investigationAn Garda Síochána and the PSNI are cooperating on a probe into an alleged plot by the Irish Defence Army to attack the mosque. (thejournal.ie)
  • investigationGardaí seized a manifesto document outlining an intention to attack the mosque. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeThe offence was described as aggravated by hatred. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargePeckauskas and Pollock are also charged with possession of weapons and an explosive substance. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtPollock and Gorman entered guilty pleas before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtCharles Flynn and Karolis Peckauskas have yet to enter a plea. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtBarristers for Flynn and Peckauskas requested a mention hearing on Monday 29 June, which was granted. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtPollock and Gorman are to appear by video link on 29 June. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherGardaí told the court they believed an attack on the Galway mosque was imminent. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 1 Jun2026
    In courtthejournal.ie, first report
    Two men plead guilty to terror charges over attempted arson at Galway mosque

    First report of the guilty pleas by Pollock and Gorman before the Special Criminal Court on 8 June 2026. Flynn and Peckauskas have not yet pleaded; their mention is set for 29 June. Peckauskas and Pollock also face weapons and explosives charges. Gardaí and PSNI are probing an alleged plot by the Irish Defence Army.

    accused, Garrett Pollock, 35, named, irish (judged from name)Garrett Pollockaccused, Darren Gorman, 34, named, irish (judged from name)Darren Gormanaccused, Charles Flynn, 35, named, irish (judged from name)Charles Flynnaccused, Karolis Peckauskas, 39, named, non-irish (judged from name)Karolis Peckauskas