Man and woman for Circuit Court on '€500,000' Offaly drugs rap

Accused of offences at house on golf course and storage facility in Birr

Published 5th Sep 2026, 08:00 BST Man and woman on drugs charges sent to Circuit Court | Tribune Pictures Accused of offences at house on golf course and storage facility in Birr Sign up to our Offaly Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Offaly Live within your account.

GARDAI estimate that suspected drugs found at a residence on an Offaly golf course were worth more than €500,000, Tullamore District Court heard.

Darren Somers (45) and Monika Swiatkowska (46), both of the same address according to court documents, 18 Esker Hills Golf Course, are alleged to have had cocaine, valued at €13,000 or more, for sale or supply to others, on April 14 last at that address.

They are both also accused of having cannabis and MDMA on the same date at the same location for sale or supply.

They are further alleged to have had diamorphine, valued at €13,000 or more, for sale or supply to others at a container in a storage facility in Birr on April 15 last.

Cistercian College Roscrea welcomes first female pupils There are also charges alleging the possession of cannabis at the same container in Birr.

Garda Stacey O'Brien told the District Court that she served the same book of evidence on both Mr Somers and Ms Swiatkowska and said the DPP had consented they be sent to Tullamore Circuit Court sitting on November 17 next.

Garda O'Brien applied for Mr Somers to be remanded in custody to that date.

Defence counsel for Mr Somers, Anne Doyle, BL, said no application for bail was being made but there was an application for legal aid, including a second counsel.

Judge Andrew Cody asked for an indicative value of the drugs and Garda O'Brien said it is in excess of €500,000.

Judge Cody granted legal aid, with two counsel, assigning Michael Hennessy, solicitor.

The court heard that bail had been set in the High Court for Ms Swiatkowska but her counsel, David Nugent , BL, said she had not been able to take it up.

Mr Nugent also applied for legal aid with two counsel and Judge Cody granted his application, assigning John Shanley, solicitor.

Mr Somers is separately accused of possessing crack cocaine at Kilbride Street in Tullamore on March 16 last and Garda O'Brien said that matter could be disposed of summarily.

On that charge he was remanded to appear at Tullamore District Court on December 7 next.