Douglas firearms case heading for Special Criminal Court, Cork detective says

The garda investigation file has been sent to the DPP in a case where it is alleged that a stash of guns, ammunition and explosives were found at a house in Douglas last November, it was confirmed today.

Sergeant John Kelleher said at Cork District Court that the completed garda file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions on March 26 and that directions were awaited.

Judge Mary Dorgan asked the defence if there was consent to longer than a two-week adjournment. Defence barrister Sarah Patton said there was only consent to the fortnight’s adjournment.

Ms Patton then asked the judge to make the adjournment peremptory against the State for directions from the DPP as the accused had been in custody since November 2025. 

Judge Mary Dorgan said: “Absolutely not.” 

The case against 45-year-old of Paul Sheehan of Elm Drive, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas in Cork was adjourned until April 13.

Detective Garda Anthony Daly said in an earlier outline of the allegations against the accused: “He was discovered in possession of illegally held firearms and ammunition on November 4 2025 in suspicious circumstances at Applegreen Service Station in Mallow.

“At Applegreen Service Station on November 4 he was caught red-handed in possession of a 32 calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol, a slide of a 9mm Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol, firearm components, ammunition and a quantity of cocaine. There was evidence of a firearm having being discharged from within the vehicle.

“In the search at his home, a large amount of firearms, ammunition and explosive substances were found, including three pipe bomb bodies. Evidence of the manufacture and alteration of firearms and ammunition was also discovered.” 

He faces charges contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 and one under the Explosive Substances Act of 1883.

The charges include possession of a .32 calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol, a deactivated .38 calibre Smith & Wesson revolver, a slide for a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and three pipe bomb bodies. 

Det Garda Daly said the case will be dealt with at the Special Criminal Court.