Wednesday 28 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. 0406Murder, robbery · Co. Dublin · 17 May 2026

Two teenage boys to be tried for murder of Alex Coughlan in Blanchardstown

Alex Coughlan, 37, was assaulted on Mill Road in Blanchardstown at about 4.20pm on 17 May 2026 and found unconscious; he was pronounced dead in hospital on 20 May. Two boys aged 17 and 16, who cannot be named, were arrested on 19 May and originally charged with assault causing harm and robbing Coughlan of his bank cards and a gold ring. The DPP has directed both to be tried for murder in the Central Criminal Court, upgrading the 17-year-old's original charge. Both remain in custody at the Oberstown Children Detention Campus and have not indicated a plea.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court17 Aug
    2 reports
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Alex Coughlan, 37, was assaulted on Mill Road in Blanchardstown at about 4.20pm on 17 May 2026 and found unconscious at the scene.
  • He was brought to hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead on 20 May 2026.
  • The two boys blocked Coughlan, punched him, and pursued him with kicks and punches after he fell and tried to run.
  • His AIB and Revolut bank cards were used in local shops minutes after the assault, and a gold ring valued at €300 was taken and worn by the younger defendant.
Cause
  • A post-mortem established traumatic head and neck injuries, with evidence of alleged suffocation and choking.
  • The meeting was arranged under false pretences for the purpose of robbery and extortion.
Charges
Two boys aged 17 and 16 were charged with assault causing harm and robbery; the 17-year-old's assault charge was withdrawn and superseded with a murder charge.
In court
  • The DPP directed both defendants to be tried for murder in the Central Criminal Court.
  • The case was heard before Judge Patricia Cronin at Dublin Children's Court under the juvenile protocol with a 12-month time limit.
Other details
Both boys remain in custody at the Oberstown Children Detention Campus after being refused bail and have not indicated a plea.
35 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatAlex Coughlan was found unconscious after the assault. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatHe was brought to hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead on 20 May. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatMr Coughlan had injuries to his neck area, scrapes to his knees and elbows, and no defensive injuries. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatHe suffered severe bruising and there was evidence of alleged suffocation and choking. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatFootage from the 16-year-old's phone showed the deceased on his knees begging for his life. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe pair blocked Mr Coughlan, the second teenager punched him, he fell, tried to run, was pursued, and received kicks and punches. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe older co-accused told Mr Coughlan, 'I will smash the f*** out of you, you f****** little b****'. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatA witness reported Mr Coughlan was on his knees crying and pleading to the two males. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatHis AIB and Revolut cards were used in local shops minutes after the assault. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe gold ring his father gave him was taken and worn by the younger defendant. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe 16-year-old still had the gold ring on him at the time of his arrest on 19 May. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatAlex Coughlan, 37, was assaulted on Mill Road in Blanchardstown at about 4.20pm on 17 May 2026 (irishtimes.com)
  • whatCoughlan was found unconscious at the scene (irishtimes.com)
  • whatCoughlan was pronounced dead on 20 May 2026 (irishtimes.com)
  • whatCoughlan had injuries to his neck area and scrapes to his knees and elbows, corroborating he was on his knees pleading (irishtimes.com)
  • whatCoughlan suffered severe bruising and there was evidence of alleged suffocation and choking (irishtimes.com)
  • whatCoughlan was walking down the road when the two accused blocked him, punched him, and he was pursued with kicks and punches (irishtimes.com)
  • whatA gold ring given to Coughlan by his father was taken and worn by the younger defendant (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe 16-year-old still had the ring at the time of his arrest on 19 May 2026 (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe assault took place on Mill Road, Blanchardstown. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe assault occurred at around 4.20pm on 17 May 2026. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeThe post-mortem established traumatic head and neck injuries. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeThe meeting was arranged under false pretences for the purpose of robbery and extortion. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe 17-year-old's assault causing harm charge was withdrawn and superseded with a murder charge. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeBoth boys were also charged with robbing Mr Coughlan of his bank cards and a €300 gold ring. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeTwo boys aged 17 and 16 were charged in connection with the incident (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThey were originally accused of causing serious harm and robbing Coughlan of his bank cards and a gold ring valued at €300 (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe DPP directed trial in the Central Criminal Court for both defendants. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard before Judge Patricia Cronin at Dublin Children's Court. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe DPP directed the 17-year-old to be tried for murder in the Central Criminal Court (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe DPP directed the 16-year-old to be tried for murder (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case falls under the juvenile protocol with a strict 12-month time limit to complete the trial process (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe 17-year-old was remanded in custody pending preparation of a book of evidence (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe 16-year-old was remanded in continuing custody (irishtimes.com)
  • otherBoth boys remain in the Oberstown Children Detention Campus after being refused bail. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 17 Aug2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, follow-up
    Teen boys to be charged with murder following fatal assault in Blanchardstown

    Reports that the DPP has directed both teenagers to be tried for murder in the Central Criminal Court, upgrading from the original assault causing harm charge. Provides detailed account of the assault, the robbery of bank cards and a gold ring, and court proceedings at Dublin Children's Court.

    victim, Alex Coughlan, 37, male, irish (judged from name)Alex Coughlanaccused, 17, maleaccused, 16, male
  2. 17 Aug2026
    In courtirishmirror.ie, first report
    Teen boys accused of attacking Alex Coughlan to be tried for murder

    Reports that the DPP has directed trial by indictment in the Central Criminal Court for both defendants on murder charges, upgrading the original assault causing harm charge for the 17-year-old. Details of the assault, the robbery of bank cards and a €300 gold ring, and CCTV/phone footage evidence are provided.

    victim, Alex Coughlan, 37, male, irish (judged from name)Alex Coughlanaccused, 17, maleaccused, 16, male