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. 9407Unlawful landing of fish · Co. Donegal

Two men sent forward for trial over alleged unlawful herring landings, Donegal

Donal Haughey and Declan Haughey are accused of the alleged unlawful landing of herring in County Donegal on 15 dates between 5 January 2024 and 6 February 2024. Donal Haughey, of Killybegs, is charged with 15 counts as master of the vessel Faoilean Ban, and Declan Haughey faces 15 matching counts (16 to 30). On Monday 25 May 2026 at Donegal District Court in Ballyshannon Courthouse, the DPP consented to both men being sent forward for trial. Each man was released on a €100 bail bond to the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court in Letterkenny, beginning 6 June 2026, and the charges are allegations that have not been tested in court.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court26 May
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Two men are to face trial on 15 charges each over the alleged unlawful landing of fish.
  • The charges concern the alleged unlawful landing of herring, a specified stock.
Where
The District Court appearance took place at Ballyshannon Courthouse, Donegal.
When
The alleged offences took place on 15 dates between 5 January 2024 and 6 February 2024.
Charges
  • Donal Haughey is charged with 15 counts of causing the unlawful landing of herring as master of the vessel Faoilean Ban, port registration T94.
  • Declan Haughey faces counts 16 to 30, which match the 15 charges against Donal Haughey.
In court
  • Donal Haughey appeared before Donegal District Court on Monday 25 May 2026, represented by solicitor Diarmuid Barry.
  • The DPP consented to both men being sent forward for trial to the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court in Letterkenny, beginning 6 June 2026.
  • The judge issued a mandatory alibi warning to the defendant.
Other details
Each man goes forward to the circuit court on a bail bond of €100.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatTwo men are to face trial for 15 charges each over the alleged unlawful landing of fish. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe alleged offences took place on 15 dates between 5 January 2024 and 6 February 2024. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeDonal Haughey is charged with 15 counts of causing the unlawful landing of herring as master of the vessel Faoilean Ban. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtDonal Haughey appeared before Donegal District Court in Ballyshannon Courthouse on Monday, 25 May. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe DPP consented to both accused being sent forward for trial to the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court in Letterkenny, beginning 6 June. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtDeclan Haughey is being sent forward for trial on counts 16 to 30, which match the 15 charges against Donal Haughey. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe judge issued a mandatory alibi warning to the defendant. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherEach man goes forward to the circuit court on a bail bond of €100. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 26 May2026
    In courtdonegallive.ie, first report
    Fishermen sent forward for trial to Donegal Circuit Court

    Reports the District Court appearance on 25 May 2026, at which both men were sent forward for trial. Gives the charge wording, the vessel and the alleged offence dates.

    accused, Donal Haughey, male, named, irish (judged from name)Donal Haugheyaccused, Declan Haughey, male, named, irish (judged from name)Declan Haughey