Latest news with #Coughlan
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Patrick Coughlan named Cork Person of the Month for helping people in financial difficulty
A man whose work has helped thousands of people in financial difficulty for over 40 years has been named Cork Person of the Month for May. In the early 1990s, Patrick Coughlan helped set up a free service in the Cork city credit union where he worked – a service that proved hugely successful and ultimately evolved into the nationwide Money and Budgeting Advice Service (MABS). Cork Person of the Year awards organiser Manus O'Callaghan said Mr Coughlan has dedicated his career to helping those most in need. 'His work has provided a vital safety net for thousands of individuals and families facing financial hardship,' he said. 'His passion, vision and tireless advocacy has made a lasting difference, and his contributions to financial well-being in Cork and beyond will not be forgotten.' Mr Coughlan's journey with MABS began in the early 1990s, when he was working in the Lough Credit Union on the southside of Cork City. He and his colleague, Brendan Roche, decided to develop a structured approach to help members who were overwhelmed by financial difficulties. Recognising the need for a sustainable solution, they established an income and expenditure system that prioritised essential living expenses while ensuring regular repayments to creditors. Their approach to helping people in financial distress was strengthened by partnerships they helped forge with Cork City Council, Cork County Council, utility companies and financial institutions, who all agreed to facilitate the introduction of manageable repayment plans for those in financial crisis. As the impact of their MABS initiative grew, support was secured from the Combat Poverty Agency and the then-Department of Social Welfare, which allowed the fledgling service to expand its reach. What began as a local project soon evolved into a nationwide initiative and network. Mr Coughlan, who retired as manager and financial controller of The Lough Credit Union in 2015, is still the acting chair of South Munster MABS and he continues to play a key role in guiding the organisation. In 2024, the MABS national helpline handled 23,525 calls while South Munster MABS assisted 1,908 new clients, demonstrating the continued need for the service. Mr Coughlan said: MABS was born out of a real need to support individuals and families trapped in financial distress. 'Seeing the service grow from a small initiative at The Lough Credit Union to a nationwide support system has been incredibly rewarding. 'At the heart of MABS is the belief that everyone deserves financial stability, and I am proud to play a part in that journey.' Mr Coughlan's name now goes forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year, who will be announced at the annual gala awards lunch next January. Read More West Cork town to celebrate 200 years of the first lifeboat in Courtmacsherry
Sunday World
25-05-2025
- Sunday World
Father-of-three made bogus calls about bodies in water and broke into churches
Father-of-three Nathan Coughlan also admitted breaking into and robbing churches during a crime spree over a five year period A man who made bogus calls to the emergency services about bodies floating in the sea off Co Donegal, has appeared in court. Father-of-three Nathan Coughlan also admitted breaking into and robbing churches during a crime spree over a five year period. The 28-year-old, who has 197 previous convictions, appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court where he pleaded guilty to a raft of charges. The charges relate to ten different incidents all of which were carried out while Coughlan was either drunk or on drugs. The accused, who is originally from Ennis in Co Clare, is now custody at Castlerea Prison since last October. Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle and state prosecutor Ms Fiona Crawford outlined the litany of charges and details of the incidents. In total, the accused was charged with making three separate bogus calls to the emergency services as well as breaking into four different church buildings on various dates. Coughlan firstly pleaded guilty to making a false report at Single Street, Finner, Bundoran on November 11th, 2019, that a person was on a cliff in horrendous weather conditions which sparked a major rescue alert involving the coastguard, RNLI, fire service, Gardai and ambulance service. A recording of the bogus call identified Coughlan as the culprit by Garda Mark Geraghty and the accused admitted buying a cheap Nokia phone, using it and then throwing it into the sea. Coughlan admitted making two more bogus calls saying a body was floating in the sea at Bundoran on February 21st, 2021 and April 2nd, 2021. Again, the emergency services were launched including the Rescue 118 helicopter while the cost of just the fire service attending was €1,000, the court was told. Coughlan was again identified and when interviewed by Gardai, the accused said he felt ashamed and wanted to get help for what he had done while admitting he was drunk at the time. Garda Doyle along with state barrister, Ms Fiona Crawford, also outlined a number of break-ins and robberies to churches. Nathan Coughlan being brought to Letterkenny District Court. (North West Newspix) News in 90 Seconds - May 25th 2025 He admitted entering the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Bundoran on March 7th, 2021 and attempting to steal from four donation boxes after smashing a lock on the church to gain entry. On October 2nd, 2022, Coughlan admitted breaking into the Sacred Heart Church on Station Roa din Mountcharles and causing €630 in criminal damage and stealing €30 from donation boxes. Coughlan caused criminal damage to a house belonging to Fr Patrick Dunne at Church Street in Ballyshannon on September 8th, 2024, when he ripped beading from a window but was spotted by a local woman. He fled the scene but was caught on CCTV and admitted carrying out the criminal damage. The accused also caused €2,700 of damage to stained glass windows when he broke into St Claire's Church in Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim on October 3rd, 2024. Damage was also caused to a key lock as well as two candelabras while Coughlan also entered the sacristy of the church and removed the CCTV system valued at €500. When interviewed, Coughlan said it was him but he couldn't really tell as he was "off his face" on ecstasy and cocaine." He also pleaded guilty to a number of other burglaries including stealing tools from a house in Kinlough, Co Leitrim and €240 in cash from a cash register at Kernan's Spar at Moorefield in Ramelton on October 1st, 2024. He also admitted breaking into Bundoran Adventure Park on March 6th, 2021 and stealing €1,100 of power tools and causing €400 of damage to windows while he was drunk. Sergeant Doyle said all injured parties had been canvassed but none had made victim impact statements. Coughlan's solicitor, Mr Peter Nolan, BL, instructed by solicitor Rory O'Brien, said he has had a long relationship with Coughlan and that he was resolute at all times about pleading guilty. He said his latest probation is not encouraging and places him at a very high risk of reoffending but that he has been in custody, is now drug-free and is an enhanced prisoner. He gave a background to the accused man's life stating that he left school at fifteen and has had no meaningful employment in his life. Mr Nolan admitted's Coughlan's previous convictions are extensive and the probation report did not show any green shoots but suggested the green shoots are in prison where he is trying to do his best to deal with his drug problem. Coughlan took to the witness box and apologised to everyone he had hurt and admitted that he put himself on a "self destruct mode." Although he has not seen his three children for a number of months, Coughlan was adamant that if he stays off the drugs he has a chance of getting back with his partner and seeing his kids once more. Asked by Mr Nolan if he had enough motivation to do this Coughlan replied "I do, I don't want them going down the same road as me." And he added "I'm sorry for what I did, although I never physically hurt anyone, I know the psychological effect it can have. I know it can be mentally and financially damaging and I'm sorry for doing that. "I had an addiction and my head was just fried. The last thirteen years of my life was getting intolerable and it had to come to an end." Judge John Aylmer remanded Coughlan in custody for final sentence on June 4th next.
Irish Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dad of 3 in court over bogus emergency calls about bodies floating in the sea
A father of three who made bogus calls to the emergency services about bodies floating in the sea off Donegal will be sentenced next month. Nathan Coughlan also admitted to breaking into and robbing churches during a crime spree over a five-year period. The 28-year-old, who has 197 previous convictions, appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court, where he pleaded guilty to a raft of charges. The charges relate to ten different incidents, all of which were carried out while Coughlan was either drunk or on drugs. The accused, who is originally from Ennis in Co Clare, has been in custody at Castlerea Prison since last October. Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle and state prosecutor Ms Fiona Crawford outlined the litany of charges and details of the incidents. In total, the accused was charged with making three separate bogus calls to the emergency services as well as breaking into four different church buildings on various dates. Coughlan firstly pleaded guilty to making a false report at Single Street, Finner, Bundoran on November 11, 2019, that a person was on a cliff in horrendous weather conditions, which sparked a major rescue alert involving the coastguard, RNLI, fire service, Gardaí and ambulance service. A recording of the bogus call identified Coughlan as the culprit by Garda Mark Geraghty and the accused admitted buying a cheap Nokia phone, using it and then throwing it into the sea. Coughlan admitted making two more bogus calls saying a body was floating in the sea at Bundoran on February 21, 2021 and April 2, 2021. Again, the emergency services were launched, including the Rescue 118 helicopter, while the cost of just the fire service attending was €1,000, the court was told. Coughlan was again identified and when interviewed by Gardaí, the accused said he felt ashamed and wanted to get help for what he had done while admitting he was drunk at the time. Garda Doyle, along with state barrister, Ms Fiona Crawford, also outlined a number of break-ins and robberies to churches. He admitted entering the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Bundoran on March 7, 2021 and attempting to steal from four donation boxes after smashing a lock on the church to gain entry. On October 2, 2022, Coughlan admitted breaking into the Sacred Heart Church on Station Road in Mountcharles and causing €630 in criminal damage and stealing €30 from donation boxes. Coughlan caused criminal damage to a house belonging to Fr Patrick Dunne at Church Street in Ballyshannon on September 8, 2024, when he ripped beading from a window but was spotted by a local woman. He fled the scene but was caught on CCTV and admitted carrying out the criminal damage. The accused also caused €2,700 of damage to stained glass windows when he broke into St Claire's Church in Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim on October 3, 2024. Damage was also caused to a key lock as well as two candelabras, while Coughlan also entered the sacristy of the church and removed the CCTV system, valued at €500. When interviewed, Coughlan said it was him but he couldn't really tell as he was "off his face" on ecstasy and cocaine". He also pleaded guilty to a number of other burglaries, including stealing tools from a house in Kinlough, Co Leitrim and €240 in cash from a cash register at Kernan's Spar at Moorefield in Ramelton on October 1, 2024. He also admitted breaking into Bundoran Adventure Park on March 6, 2021 and stealing €1,100 of power tools and causing €400 of damage to windows while he was drunk. Sergeant Doyle said all injured parties had been canvassed but none had made victim impact statements. Coughlan's solicitor, Mr Peter Nolan, BL, instructed by solicitor Rory O'Brien, said he has had a long relationship with Coughlan and that he was resolute at all times about pleading guilty. He said his latest probation is not encouraging and places him at a very high risk of reoffending but that he has been in custody, is now drug-free and is an enhanced prisoner. He gave a background to the accused man's life, stating that he left school at fifteen and has had no meaningful employment in his life. Mr Nolan admitted's Coughlan's previous convictions are extensive and the probation report did not show any green shoots, but suggested the green shoots are in prison where he is trying to do his best to deal with his drug problem. Coughlan took to the witness box and apologised to everyone he had hurt and admitted that he put himself on "self destruct mode". Although he has not seen his three children for a number of months, Coughlan was adamant that if he stays off the drugs he has a chance of getting back with his partner and seeing his kids once more. Asked by Mr Nolan if he had enough motivation to do this, Coughlan replied: "I do, I don't want them going down the same road as me." And he added: "I'm sorry for what I did, although I never physically hurt anyone, I know the psychological effect it can have. I know it can be mentally and financially damaging and I'm sorry for doing that. "I had an addiction and my head was just fried. The last thirteen years of my life was getting intolerable and it had to come to an end." Judge John Aylmer remanded Coughlan in custody for final sentence on June 4 next.
RTÉ News
25-05-2025
- RTÉ News
Man made bogus calls about bodies in Donegal sea, admits church break-ins
A man who made bogus calls to the emergency services about bodies floating in the sea off Co Donegal, has appeared in court. Nathan Coughlan also admitted breaking into and robbing churches during a crime spree over a five-year period. The 28-year-old, who has 197 previous convictions, appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court where he pleaded guilty to a raft of charges. The charges relate to ten different incidents, all of which were carried out while Coughlan was either drunk or on drugs. The accused, who is originally from Ennis in Co Clare, is in custody at Castlerea Prison since last October. Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle and State prosecutor Fiona Crawford outlined the litany of charges and details of the incidents. In total, the accused was charged with making three separate bogus calls to the emergency services as well as breaking into four different church buildings on various dates. Coughlan firstly pleaded guilty to making a false report at Single Street, Finner, Bundoran on 11 November 2019, that a person was on a cliff in horrendous weather conditions which sparked a major rescue alert involving the coastguard, RNLI, fire service, gardaí and ambulance service. A recording of the bogus call identified Coughlan as the caller by Garda Mark Geraghty and the accused admitted buying a cheap Nokia phone, using it and then throwing it into the sea. Coughlan admitted making two more bogus calls saying a body was floating in the sea at Bundoran on 21 February and 2 April 2021. Again, the emergency services were launched including the Rescue 118 helicopter while the cost of just the fire service attending was €1,000, the court was told. Coughlan was again identified and when interviewed by gardaí, the accused said he felt ashamed and wanted to get help for what he had done while admitting he was drunk at the time. Number of break-ins and robberies to churches Garda Doyle, along with Ms Crawford, also outlined a number of break-ins and robberies to churches. He admitted entering the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Bundoran, on 7 March 2021 and attempting to steal from four donation boxes after smashing a lock on the church to gain entry. On 2 October 2022, Coughlan admitted breaking into the Sacred Heart Church on Station Road in Mountcharles causing €630 in criminal damage and stealing €30 from donation boxes. "I'm sorry for what I did, although I never physically hurt anyone, I know the psychological effect it can have." Coughlan caused criminal damage to a house belonging to Fr Patrick Dunne at Church Street in Ballyshannon on 8 September 2024, when he ripped beading from a window but was spotted by a local woman. He fled the scene but was caught on CCTV and admitted carrying out the criminal damage. The accused also caused €2,700 of damage to stained glass windows when he broke into St Clare's Church in Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim, on 2 October 2024. Damage was also caused to a key lock as well as two candelabras while Coughlan also entered the sacristy of the church and removed the CCTV system valued at €500. When interviewed, Coughlan said it was him but he could not really tell as he was "off his face" on ecstasy and cocaine. He also pleaded guilty to a number of other burglaries including stealing tools from a house in Kinlough, Co Leitrim, and €240 in cash from a cash register at Kernan's Spar at Moorefield in Ramelton on 1 October 2024. He also admitted breaking into Bundoran Adventure Park on 6 March 2021 and stealing €1,100 of power tools and causing €400 of damage to windows while he was drunk. Coughlan resolute about pleading guilty, says solicitor Sergeant Doyle said all injured parties had been canvassed but none had made victim impact statements. Coughlan's solicitor, Mr Peter Nolan, BL, instructed by solicitor Rory O'Brien, said he has had a long relationship with Coughlan and that he was resolute at all times about pleading guilty. He said his latest probation is not encouraging and places him at a very high risk of reoffending but that he has been in custody, is now drug-free and is an enhanced prisoner. He gave a background to the accused man's life stating that he left school at 15 and has had no meaningful employment in his life. Mr Nolan admitted Coughlan's previous convictions are extensive and the probation report did not show any green shoots but suggested the green shoots are in prison where he is trying to do his best to deal with his drug problem. Coughlan took to the witness box and apologised to everyone he had hurt and admitted that he put himself on a "self destruct mode". He added "I'm sorry for what I did, although I never physically hurt anyone, I know the psychological effect it can have. "I know it can be mentally and financially damaging and I'm sorry for doing that." Judge John Aylmer remanded Coughlan in custody for final sentence on 4 June.
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Nicola Coughlan speaks up for Gaza
Actor Nicola Coughlan has publicly voiced her outrage over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, using her Instagram Stories to draw stark comparisons between media coverage of global tragedies. The Irish actor, known for her roles in Derry Girls and Bridgerton, posed a powerful question to her followers: "If the headline read: 14,000 British babies will starve to death without aid in the next 48 hours, would you stay completely silent?" She extended the same question to include American and Irish babies, challenging her audience to examine their silence in the face of unimaginable suffering. "If the answer is no," she continued, "ask yourself why and speak up now." Her post came in response to mounting warnings from humanitarian agencies, including a recent alert from UN humanitarian coordinator Tom Fletcher, who stated that 14,000 children in Gaza were at risk of starving to death unless aid was allowed in. In a follow-up IG Story, Coughlan made her stance clear: "I think it is deeply important that people speak up at this moment." She emphasised the universality of the right to life and safety for children, regardless of nationality, religion, or background: "No child, no matter where they are from, their religion, anything, should be starved to death by a government." Calling the starvation of children in Gaza the "most inhuman thing" she has ever witnessed, Coughlan ended her story with a direct plea: "Permanent ceasefire now." Prior to her recent IG Stories, Coughlan had already raised her voice for Gaza publicly at Canneseries last month. Reflecting on her activism, she said: "There is a factor of 'it's better if you say nothing' because our job is to entertain you." But for Coughlan, silence wasn't an option. "We are talking about right or wrong, about children being bombed in their beds. I wouldn't accept that anywhere in the world."
