Guilty plea to armed robbery at Offaly pharmacy

Man with 'long history of mental illness' admits having shotgun during incident

Published 15th Apr 2026, 08:30 BST Updated 30th Apr 2026, 09:52 BST Man appeared at Tullamore Circuit Court Man with 'long history of mental illness' admits having shotgun during incident 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.

A MAN has no memory of an armed robbery he carried out at a Tullamore pharmacy, the local Circuit Court was told.

Judge Ronan Munro heard that Philip Maguire (37), St Columba's Place, Tullamore had a long history of mental illness.

Mr Maguire pleaded guilty to robbing €530 cash and €192 worth of medication at McCormack Pharmacy, Kilbeggan Bridge, Arden Road, Tullamore on October 22 last when he was arraigned at the Circuit Court on Tuesday (April 14).

The man also admitted possessing a shotgun with intent to commit robbery and having the shotgun with intent to prevent his arrest.

Defence counsel David Nugent said Mr Maguire had no recollection of any of the incident and had a long history of mental illness.

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Mr Nugent said a psychiatric report would be important to examine “where Philip was” prior to the incident.

He said Mr Maguire was in custody in Cloverhill Prison for quite a period of time and was now on the proper after a “battle”.

Mr Nugent said the man was doing well in custody where he was an enhanced prisoner with two jobs and a probation report would also help the court.

Judge Munro adjourned consideration of sentencing to June 3 next and ordered psychiatric, probation and prison governor's reports.

The judge said Mr Maguire can appear before the court by video link from prison.

Related topics: Offaly News Offaly Crime Tullamore Circuit Court 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.