DPP to prioritise case of Cork man accused of possessing guns at Mallow service station

The DPP’s office is prioritising its consideration of a Garda file in a case involving the alleged discovery of firearms, ammunition, and explosives at a house in Douglas last November.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis told Judge Mary Dorgan  the Garda file in the case was with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), where it is being given priority.

Judge Mary Dorgan refused an application by Sarah Patton, defending, to strike the matter out because of delay. 

Ms Patton said the accused had been remanded in custody for five months on these charges.

The judge remanded Paul Sheehan, aged 45, of Elm Drive, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas in Cork, in continuing custody until April 27.

Detective Garda Anthony Daly said in an earlier outline of the allegations against Mr Sheehan: “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.” 

Mr Sheehan 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.