Cork man appears in court charged with cattle stealing offences

A 31-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of alleged offences involving the stealing of cattle; including the theft of 18 cattle with a value of €30,000 at a farm in the Lakelands area of Skibbereen, Co Cork last month.

Colm Dineen of Cappaghmore, Ballydehob, Co Cork appeared before Macroom District Court in Co Cork today.

Det Garda Hugh Byrne gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in connection with the first three charges. He said that Mr Dineen made no reply when the charges were put to him under caution.

Mr Dineen is charged that on November 24 last at Lakelands, Skibbereen, Co Cork he did steal 18 cattle. The stolen cattle included four Limousin cows, two Aberdeen Angus and 12 Friesians valued at approximately €30,000 the property of Brian Lawlor.

Mr Dineen was also charged that between April 5 and 6 last that he did enter The Bunglalow, Rowry, Rosscarbery, Co Cork as a trespasser and did commit a theft.

Mr Dineen was also charged that between December 6-7 2017 at Lyre, Aughadown, Skibbereen, Co Cork he did steal 13 Friesian bullocks worth approximately €9,750. The cattle were the property of Martin Harte.

Meanwhile, Det Garda Martin Bohane gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to the remaining two alleged offences. He said that Mr Dineen made no reply when the charges were put to him under caution.

Mr Dineen is charged that on the March 4, 2023 he did steal three Friesian in calf heifers, valued at €1,500 the property of John Sweetnam.

The accused was also charged that a on a date unknown between November 11, 2025 and November 15 2025 at Lissaclarig East, Aughadown, Ballydehob, Co Cork he did steal eight cattle. There alleged theft involved the taking of five calf Friesian heifers and three Aberdeen Angus valued at €12,000 which were the property of Pat O’Donovan.

All offences are contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Fraud and Theft Offences) Act 2001.

No bail application was made in the case. A bail application will be made when Mr Dineen is next before the court.

Defence solicitor Flor Murphy asked that his client receive appropriate medical and psychiatric attention in custody amid “concern” about his welfare. Judge Joanne Carroll directed that the defendant be medically assessed and receive all the necessary medical care whilst in custody.

Judge Carroll remanded Mr Dineen in custody to appear before Clonakilty District Court in West Cork on December 16 next.