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. 9359Carjacking (unlawful taking of a car) · Co. Limerick · 24 Aug 2024

Warrant issued for former Limerick rugby player who failed to appear for carjacking sentence

On 24 August 2024 at Ballinacurra Road, Limerick, Diarmuid McCarthy, a 36-year-old man, is alleged to have taken the car of a 61-year-old woman who had pulled over to take a call, then crashed it into bollards at Foxes Bow before fleeing. McCarthy, a former Limerick rugby player, faces charges of unlawful taking of a car, dangerous driving and criminal damage. At a 2024 bail hearing his solicitor said addiction had affected him, and he was due to be sentenced at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on 21 May 2026. He failed to appear for that sentencing, and on 29 May 2026 a judge issued an arrest warrant for him.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court29 May
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • A judge issued an arrest warrant for former Limerick rugby player Diarmuid McCarthy after he failed to appear for sentencing.
  • McCarthy allegedly opened the door of a 61-year-old woman's parked car, where she had pulled over to take a call, and demanded the keys.
  • McCarthy allegedly drove off dangerously and at speed, crashed into bollards at Foxes Bow and fled.
Cause
McCarthy was intoxicated, and the woman handed over the keys and got out of the car.
Where
The incident took place at Ballinacurra Road, Limerick.
When
The incident took place on 24 August 2024.
Investigation
Gardaí said McCarthy was known to them as a drug user and was under the influence of an intoxicant when arrested.
Charges
McCarthy faces charges of unlawful taking of a car, dangerous driving and criminal damage.
In court
  • McCarthy was due to appear before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for sentence on 21 May 2026.
  • His barrister told the court that McCarthy was not present because he had gone to collect his dole.
Other details
  • The woman's daughter overheard the incident on the phone call.
  • The woman said she was fearful because she did not know what McCarthy was capable of.
  • His solicitor said addiction had affected McCarthy and that he had engaged with a drug rehabilitation service.
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA judge issued an arrest warrant for a former Limerick rugby star who failed to appear for sentencing. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whatThe woman had pulled over to take a call from her daughter when McCarthy opened the car door and demanded the keys. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whatMcCarthy was intoxicated, and the woman handed over the keys and got out of the car. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whatMcCarthy drove off dangerously and at speed and crashed into bollards at Foxes Bow before fleeing. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whereThe incident took place at Ballinacurra Road, Limerick. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whenThe incident took place on 24 August 2024. (limerickpost.ie)
  • investigationGardaí said McCarthy was known to them as a drug user and was under the influence of an intoxicant when arrested. (limerickpost.ie)
  • chargeMcCarthy faces charges of unlawful taking of a car, dangerous driving and criminal damage. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtMcCarthy was due to appear before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for sentence on 21 May. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtHis barrister told the judge that McCarthy was not present because he had gone to collect his dole. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherThe daughter overheard the incident on the phone call. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherThe victim said she was fearful because she did not know what McCarthy was capable of. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherHis solicitor said McCarthy had engaged with a drug rehabilitation service. (limerickpost.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 29 May2026
    In courtlimerickpost.ie, first report
    Warrant issued for arrest of former rugby great who failed to appear in court for carjacking sentence

    Reports that McCarthy failed to appear for sentence on 21 May 2026, that a bench warrant was issued, and gives the court's account of the 2024 incident and his solicitor's comments on addiction and rehabilitation.

    accused, Diarmuid McCarthy, 36, male, named, irish (judged from name)Diarmuid McCarthyvictim, 61, female