Limerick man burgled artisan city café and neighbour’s home

A BARRISTER told a judge “we’re not delusional about our prospects” when his client came before Limerick Circuit Court on foot of multiple charges.

Published 16th Jun 2026, 09:00 BST Barrister Joseph McMahon, representing Richard Ryan, said that his client has an issue with substance abuse | Iconic A BARRISTER told a judge “we’re not delusional about our prospects” when his client came before Limerick Circuit Court on foot of multiple charges. Sign up to our Limerick 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 Limerick Live within your account.

Richard Ryan, 32, of St. Munchin’s Street, Kings Island, Limerick, is charged with the unlawful taking of a vehicle, the burglary of his neighbour, and the burglary of Canteen on Catherine Street.

Garda Michael Ryan of Mayorstone Garda Station confirmed evidence to the court with Prosecuting Barrister for the State, John O’Sullivan.

The court heard that gardaí received a call from a woman living nearby that a burglary was underway at Canteen in Limerick city on the night of June 13, 2025.

Mr O’Sullivan told the court that Richard Ryan entered the premises through the window at the top of the cafe's flat roof.

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Gardaí and the owner of the business then arrived at Canteen to find a bloody smashed window, and an iPad and speaker taken.

The total damage and loss that the burglary amounted to was €2,200 in total.

The court heard that the items taken from Canteen were not recovered.

Mr O’Sullivan further described to the court how Richard Ryan committed a burglary at his neighbour’s home on St. Munchin’s Street on the night of November 12, 2025.

Richard Ryan stole a TV, valued at €250, his neighbour’s social welfare money, which amounted to €220 in cash, and a charm bracelet which was of considerable sentimental value for the woman.

The court heard that a security device on the front door of the house identified Richard Ryan.

Garda Michael Ryan also gave evidence that Richard Ryan was caught driving a stolen red Prius car from the Mungret Street area on May 13, 2025.

Mr O’Sullivan said that Richard Ryan was observed by gardaí driving the vehicle.

Mr O’Sullivan confirmed to the court that Richard Ryan has 32 previous convictions, including one for the possession of knives, a burglary, an affray, a theft, an assault, and a number of road traffic matters.

Barrister Joseph McMahon, representing Richard Ryan, said that his client has an issue with substance abuse.

Garda Michael Ryan agreed with the barrister that Richard Ryan is looking a lot healthier now than he was in November.

The barrister read an apology letter from Richard Ryan to the court, which stated that on Christmas day of 2022, his family received the news that “my brother Michael died in Limerick Prison. My life and my family’s lives were shattered.”

The letter continued: “I turned to drink, cocaine, crack cocaine ... I was in a lot of pain.”

The letter concluded: “I’m truly sorry to the injured parties.”

Mr McMahon stated in mitigation that Richard Ryan has since completed a relapse prevention course and a darkness into light course.

The court also heard that he has undergone counselling in Merchant’s Quay Ireland.

Mr McMahon said that his client is a father of three and a loving partner.

The barrister said that Richard Ryan is addicted to crack cocaine, which is the most addictive form of cocaine.

Mr McMahon stated that he has previously spoken in the court about the endemic of crack cocaine.

Mr McMahon said: “We do expect a custodial sentence, we’re not delusional about our prospects, Judge”.

The barrister requested a new referral for a Probation Report, which the judge granted.

Judge Colin Daly then proceeded to adjourn the sentencing to a date in July.

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