Judge ‘spectacularly unimpressed’ by Limerick man accused of stealing whisky

A MAN accused of stealing five bottles of whiskey from a county shop has appeared before Kilmallock District Court.

Published 26th Jun 2026, 11:00 BST Judge Patricia Harney asked solicitor Michael O’Donnell: “Does he want to go to prison today or will he do as he’s asked to do?” A MAN accused of stealing five bottles of whiskey from a county shop has appeared before Kilmallock District Court. 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.

Michael O’Flaherty, 33, with an address at Riverview Estate, Kilmallock, is accused of stealing five bottles of whiskey from Spar, Lord Edward Street, Deebert, Kilmallock, on September 29, 2024.

The findings of his Probation Report was discussed by Judge Patricia Harney.

The judge said: “I’m spectacularly unimpressed. He got himself into the height of trouble.”

The judge further commented that the man had a “puss” on his face when he was brought before the court.

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The judge read from the report that Mr O’Flaherty was “intoxicated at work last year and his employment was subsequently terminated”.

The report stated Mr O’Flaherty has a “general sense that he’s been wronged”, and that he has shown a “failure to accept responsibility”.

Judge Harney asked solicitor Michael O’Donnell: “Does he want to go to prison today or will he do as he’s asked to do?”

Mr O’Donnell, acting on behalf of Mr O’Flaherty, said: “He will do as he’s asked to do.”

The case was adjourned to September 25 for an updated pre-sanction Probation Report to be prepared, which will include his attendance record.

Judge Harney stated: “I hope this attitude will have changed.”

The judge addressed Mr O’Flaherty’s solicitor: “I wish you luck given his attitude.”

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