Wexford woman remanded in custody on firearms and explosive substance charges
On 27 March 2025, Gardaí discovered suspect devices, a firearm, a large quantity of ammunition, and suspected cocaine at a residence in Gorey, Co. Wexford during a planned search operation, and a woman in her 30s was arrested at the scene. The Irish Defence Forces EOD team conducted a controlled explosion on the viable suspect devices. Ciara O'Reilly, 30, of Gorey, was charged on 29 March 2025 with possession of a 9mm Heckler and Koch MP5K sub-machine gun, a .22 Long Rifle calibre barrel, an ammunition magazine, and three hand-held grenades. She appeared before Wexford District Court that same evening, made 'no reply' to all four charges, and was refused bail and remanded in custody.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrested27 Mar
- Chargednot reported
- In court30 Mar
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- During a planned search operation, Gardaí discovered suspect devices, a suspect firearm, a large quantity of ammunition, and suspected cocaine at a residence in Gorey, Co. Wexford, and a woman in her 30s was arrested at the scene.
- When
- The search and arrest took place on Thursday 27 March 2025, and she was charged at Wexford Garda Station on 29 March 2025.
- Where
- The incident occurred at a residence in Gorey, Co. Wexford.
- Investigation
- The Irish Defence Forces EOD team conducted a controlled explosion on the viable suspect devices, and the firearm and ammunition were sent for technical examination by the Ballistics Section of the Garda Technical Bureau.
- The search was a planned operation targeting criminal activity in the Wexford/Wicklow Division, and the scene was held for technical examination with investigations ongoing.
- Charges
- Ciara O'Reilly, 30, of Gleann An Ghairdin, Gorey, was charged with possession of a 9mm Lazer Calibre Heckler and Koch MP5K sub-machine gun, a .22 Long Rifle Calibre firearms barrel, an ammunition magazine for a 9mm Lazer Calibre sub-machine gun, and three hand-held grenades.
- In court
- She appeared before Judge John O'Leary at a special sitting of Wexford District Court on Saturday 29 March 2025 and made 'no reply' to all four charges.
- Gardaí objected to bail citing safety concerns, and she was refused bail and remanded in custody.
- Other details
- She is a mother of two with no previous convictions and is described as a drug user.
- She was detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939.
29 statements extracted from the articles
- whatGardaí discovered a number of suspect devices at a residence in Gorey, Co. Wexford. (garda.ie)
- whatA suspect firearm was seized during the operation. (garda.ie)
- whatA large quantity of ammunition was seized. (garda.ie)
- whatA quantity of suspected cocaine was seized pending analysis. (garda.ie)
- whatA woman in her 30s was arrested at the scene. (garda.ie)
- whatCiara O'Reilly, 30, of Gleann An Ghairdin, Gorey, Co Wexford, appeared before a special sitting of Wexford District Court on Saturday night on four charges. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatWhen entering the house, she was asked if there was anything illegal and pointed to a box on the floor where the items were found. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe discovery took place on Thursday 27 March 2025. (garda.ie)
- whenThe search of the property took place on 27 March 2025. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenShe was charged at Wexford Garda Station on 29 March 2025. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe search was a planned operation targeting criminal activity in the Wexford/Wicklow Division. (garda.ie)
- investigationGardaí established a cordon at the scene. (garda.ie)
- investigationThe Irish Defence Forces EOD team conducted a controlled explosion on the viable suspect devices. (garda.ie)
- investigationThe firearm and ammunition will be sent for technical examination by the Ballistics Section of the Garda Technical Bureau. (garda.ie)
- investigationThe scene is being held for technical examination. (garda.ie)
- investigationInvestigations are ongoing. (garda.ie)
- investigationShe was arrested during an operation in Gorey, Co Wexford, on Thursday, 27 March 2025. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeThe woman is detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939. (garda.ie)
- chargeShe is charged with possession of an ammunition magazine for a 9mm Lazer Calibre Sub-Machine gun. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeShe is charged with having in her possession a 9mm Lazer Calibre Heckler and Koch MP5K Sub-Machine gun. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeShe is charged with having in her possession a .22 Long Rifle Calibre Firearms Barrel. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeShe is charged with having in her possession an explosive substance, three hand-held grenades. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtDet. Garda Coleman said if released on bail he would have huge concerns for her safety. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtGardaí objected to the bail application. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtShe was refused bail and remanded in custody. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherShe is a mother of two. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherShe made 'no reply' to all four charges when they were put to her. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherShe has no previous convictions. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherShe is a drug user. (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 30 Mar2025Wexford woman, 30, remanded in custody on firearms charges
First report of the case: O'Reilly appeared before a special sitting of Wexford District Court on 28 March 2025, was refused bail and remanded in custody. She made 'no reply' to all four charges. Gardaí objected to bail citing safety concerns; she has no previous convictions but is a drug user.
accused, Ciara O'Reilly, 30, female, named, irish (judged from name)Ciara O'Reilly - 27 Mar2025Discovery of Suspect Devices, Firearm and Ammunition in Gorey, Co. Wexford 27th March 2025
Initial Garda press release describing the planned search operation, the discovery of suspect devices, a firearm, ammunition and cocaine, the controlled explosion by the Defence Forces EOD team, and the arrest of a woman in her 30s at the scene.
suspect, 30s, female