Former Fianna Fáil councillor pleads guilty to harassment

Olivia Kelleher

A former Fianna Fáil councillor has pleaded guilty to the harassment of a female.

Joseph O’Donovan, formerly known as Gary O’Flynn, appeared before Cork District Court on Wednesday having previously been charged with one count of harassment.

The offence occurred on three dates between July 30th and August 6th, 2022. The DPP had directed summary disposal of the matter.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer on Wednesday told Judge Aine Clancy that his client was entering a plea of guilty to the charge.

My O’Donovan was remanded on bail until May to facilitate the preparation of a victim impact statement and medical reports.

Judge Clancy adjourned the case to May 28th next. Mr O'Donovan, of Melvindale House, Coolowen, Blarney, Co Cork is the son of former TD, Noel O’Flynn who served in the constituency of Cork North Central from 1997 until his retirement in 2011. He recently returned to politics at council level.

Joseph O’Donovan, when he was known as Gary O’Flynn, was a sitting councillor in Cork city from 2003 to 2008.

He took his father’s old seat on the council in 2003 when the dual mandate ban came in to force. He concluded his political career five years later with his seat going to his brother, Ken who recently became an Independent Ireland TD in Cork North Central.

Noel O’Flynn has taken up the city council seat vacated by his son Ken.