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Irish Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Davy Fitzgerald's son given suspended sentence for stealing €35,000 from employer to fund gambling addiction
A son of controversial Antrim hurling manger, and Clare hurling legend, Davy Fitzgerald was given a fully suspended 12-month prison sentence after he admitted stealing €35,000 from his then employer, Bank of Ireland , to feed his 'out-of-control gambling addiction '. Colm Fitzgerald (28) of Castlequinn, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, stole the money while employed to be in charge of cash at a cash counter at Bank of Ireland, Shannon Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co Clare, on seven separate dates in 2023. Fitzgerald, who immediately resigned from the bank after the thefts were discovered during an internal audit, told the bank and gardaí that he stole the cash to sustain a gambling addiction. Fitzgerald's barrister, Kenny Kerins, told Ennis Circuit Criminal Court that 'steeped in GAA' Fitzgerald, had paid all of the money back with the support and assistance of his family. READ MORE Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald was caught in a 'serious' grip of addiction to sports gambling and that he 'expressed relief' when the thefts were discovered. Fitzgerald admitted stealing the cash in bundles of €5,000 on seven separate dates in 2023. 'He was living a life of secrets, he has remorse, he has shame. This young man had everything going well in his life, he was engaged in sport, he had a job, and in seven actions he absolutely destroys his career,' Mr Kerins said. The barrister told the sentencing hearing last Friday that, before the discovery of the cash thefts, Fitzgerald's gambling became so serious, the well-known bookmaker chain Paddy Power banned him from betting with them. 'His life was completely out of control, so much so that he sees all this as a positive thing. He sees it as a disengagement from his addiction.' [ Generation gamble: the invisible addiction crisis gripping Ireland's teenagers Opens in new window ] Mr Kerins said that when Bank of Ireland's auditors discovered €35,000 was missing, Fitzgerald prepared a document that would have concealed 'his deceit', but then he 'cancelled it almost immediately'. 'He was about to further his criminal endeavour, but he stopped it ... He knew the jig was up, and he came forward, he met bank officials and made admissions, he resigned and met gardaí by appointment,' said Mr Kerins. 'He and his family are steeped in GAA, which was perhaps how he became involved in (sports) gambling. He has great passion for sport and he is still involved in coaching, which is a great pride to him,' said Mr Kerins. He said Fitzgerald had opened a coffee shop business with his partner in Sixmilebridge, employing four people. He has 'taken careful steps' to limit his access to the business's finances. Detective Garda Paddy Bourke told the court he believed Fitzgerald did all he could to co-operate with the Garda investigation and has tried to tackle his addiction. Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald had no previous convictions, engaged in a residential therapy programme, and continues to attend regular meetings of Gamblers Anonymous (GA). [ Q&A: How the new gambling regulator will affect Irish punters Opens in new window ] 'He's not seeking to blame anyone, he developed a low-level gambling addiction which snowballed and got out of control.' Prosecuting barrister, Sarah-Jane Comerford, accepted Fitzgerald was 'suffering from a gambling addiction at the time'. Judge Francis Comerford said Fitzgerald's actions were a 'significant breach of trust'. 'Gambling is not an excuse for theft, and one should seek help without having to resort to this,' the judge said. Judge Comerford accepted there was a 'somewhat' reduced culpability for people with addiction who 'have the compulsion to do this'. Judge Comerford fully suspended a 12-month jail term for a period of 18 months. He directed Fitzgerald to continue to engage with gambling support services. 'While the amount of money is significant, it would have been more serious if it was someone vulnerable that was preyed upon,' said the judge. 'This was not done for a high lifestyle or to accrue wealth ... it was for a gambling addiction.'
BreakingNews.ie
12 hours ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Davy Fitzgerald's son receives suspended sentence after stealing €35,000 from former employer Bank of Ireland
A son of Clare hurling legend Davy Fitzgerald was given a fully suspended 12-month prison sentence after he admitted stealing €35,000 from his then employer, Bank of Ireland, to feed his 'out-of-control gambling addiction'. Colm Fitzgerald, (28), Castlequinn, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, stole the money while employed to be in charge of cash at a cash counter, at Bank of Ireland, Shannon Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co Clare, on seven separate dates in 2023. Advertisement Fitzgerald, who immediately resigned from the bank, after the thefts were discovered during an internal audit, told the bank and gardaí that he stole the cash to sustain a gambling addiction. Fitzgerald's barrister, Kenny Kerins, told Ennis Circuit Criminal Court that 'steeped in GAA' Fitzgerald, had paid all of the money back with the support and assistance of his family. Mr Keirns said Fitzgerald was caught in a 'serious' grip of addiction to sports gambling and that he had 'expressed relief' when the thefts were discovered. Fitzgerald admitted stealing the cash in bundles of €5,000 on seven separate dates in 2023. Advertisement Mr Kerins told the court: 'He was living a life of secrets, he has remorse, he has shame. This young man had everything going well in his life, he was engaged in sport, he had a job, and in seven actions he absolutely destroys his career." The barrister told the sentencing hearing last Friday that, prior to the discovery of the cash thefts, Fitzgerald's gambling had gotten so serious, the well known bookmaker chain Paddy Power banned him from betting with them. 'They were so concerned that they wrote to him and banned him from gambling with them... this was a serious addiction for Mr Fitzgerald,' Mr Kerins said. 'His life was completely out of control, so much so that he sees all this as a positive thing, he sees it as a disengagement from his addiction.' Advertisement Mr Kerins said when Bank of Ireland's auditors discovered €35,000 was missing, Fitzgerald prepared a document that would have concealed 'his deceit' but he 'cancelled it almost immediately'. 'He was about to further his criminal endeavour, but he stopped it. He went home and told his grandfather and close family, he knew the jig was up and he came forward, he met with bank officials and made admissions, he resigned and met with gardai by appointment,' said Mr Kerins. 'That is to his credit, he faced up to it, he is a gentleman,' said the barrister. Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald was 'aware' thefts from his employer were 'unacceptable' but he said Fitzgerald had taken responsibility for his offending as well as measures not to return to gambling. Advertisement 'He and his family are steeped in GAA, which was perhaps how he became involved in (sports) gambling. He has great passion for sport and he is still involved in coaching which is a great pride to him.' Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald had 'engaged with therapeutic services and had worked as courier' to pay his family back the money they reimbursed to the bank. The barrister said Fitzgerald has, along with his partner, opened a coffee shop business in Sixmilebridge, employing four people, and that Fitzgerald had 'taken careful steps' to limit his own 'access to the business's finances and cash, so there is oversight that'. Detective Garda Paddy Bourke, Shannon Garda Station, told the court he believed Fitzgerald had done all he could to cooperate with the garda investigation as well as trying to tackle his addiction, 'and I hope to continues to do so', added Garda Bourke. Advertisement CCTV CCTV footage located at the bank's cash counters, which may have led them to Fitzgerald, had expired by the time the bank discovered the thefts and alerted gardai, and so Fitzgerald's pleas were valuable to the prosecution, the court heard. Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald had 'no previous convictions', had engaged in a residential therapy programme run by the Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre, and he continues to attend regular meetings of Gamblers Anonymous (GA). 'He's not seeking to blame anyone, he developed a low level gambling addiction which snowballed and got out-of-control while he was working as an employee of the bank — the court is aware of the compulsive nature of gambling addiction.' Prosecuting barrister, Sarah-Jane Comerford, said the prosecution 'accepted (Fitzgerald) was suffering from a gambling addiction at the time'. Outlining his judgement, Judge Francis Comerford said Fitzgerald 'took bundles of cash from his employer each worth €5,000' and that he considered a two-year headline sentence to be appropriate. 'It was a significant breach of trust, it was a significant offence, and the aggravating factor is that it was theft by an employee from their employer, it was an abuse of trust to steal from them.' The judge told Fitzgerald: 'Gambling is not an excuse for theft, and one should seek help without having to resort to this.' However, taking into account Mr Keirns mitigation plea, the judge said he accepted that persons in addiction who 'have the compulsion to do this (steal), does reduce culpability somewhat'. 'Need for money' The judge said there was an air of desperation about Fitzgerald's actions: 'It was not a sophisticated fraud, it was a response to a need for money for gambling.' Reducing Fitzgerald's sentence to 12 months, the judge continued: 'It wasn't a commercial calculated crime, so that tends to put it at a lower level, and it was discovered very quickly, following an internal audit.' Judge Comerford fully suspended the 12-month jail term for a period of 18 months, and directed that Fitzgerald continue to engage with gambling support services. 'While the amount of money is significant, it would have been more serious if it was someone vulnerable that was preyed upon,' said the judge. 'This was not done for a high lifestyle or to accrue wealth, but, it was for a gambling addiction.' Afterwards, Colm Fitzgerald hugged family members outside the court.
Pembrokeshire Herald
a day ago
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
VC Gallery reopens in Haverfordwest after flood repairs
DURING the past week New Quay RNLI lifeboats launched four times in the space of six days. The first callout was last Friday (23 May) at 7.30pm when New Quay RNLI's Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, the Roy Barker V, launched on service to assist a sailor in distress, approximately 3 miles north of Cardigan Island. On arrival, Cardigan RNLI's lifeboat was already on scene and, having put one of their crew members on board to assess the casualty, had commenced towing the vessel towards New Quay. Daniel Potter, New Quay RNLI's coxswain said, 'Having assessed the situation, we decided that the safest course of action was to tow the 33ft yacht to New Quay, the nearest safe haven. 'We placed one of our crew members on board to assist the lone sailor, and the tow was transferred to us. Having safely moored the casualty vessel in New Quay harbour, the lifeboat returned to station and was recovered at 10.30pm.' The next day, Saturday (24 May), both New Quay lifeboats were launched on service at 3.30pm following concerns raised over two kayakers, thought to be in difficulty between Aberporth and Llangrannog. Both boats were tasked to carry out a shoreline search between New Quay and Aberporth. However, having searched as far as Cwmtydu the lifeboats were stood down at 4.55pm as the kayakers were found safe and well in New Quay. A false alarm with good intent. Next after a busy day at the station's open day on Sunday (25 May), New Quay's inshore lifeboat, the Will Morgan, launched on service at 9.40pm to investigate a paddleboard drifting in New Quay harbour. With three volunteer crew members on board, Simon Rigby, New Quay RNLI's helm said, 'Having spoken to the first informant, the paddleboard was quickly located and the lifeboat was tasked to conduct a search of the area. 'After completing a search and speaking to members of the public on the beach, and with no evidence of anyone being missing, it was concluded that the board had been washed out with the high tide.' The board was then recovered to a safe place by the lifeboat crew and New Quay's HM Coastguard team and the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station. The final callout was in the early hours of Wednesday morning (28 May). At 1.40am both lifeboats were tasked to respond to a DSC (digital selective calling) distress call from a yacht which had run aground in New Quay's bay. With breaking surf around the casualty vessel, the lifeboats provided illumination and safety cover as New Quay's HM Coastguard team evacuated the occupant of the vessel and an anchor was set. With all persons confirmed to be safe and well ashore, and with the ebbing tide resulting in the vessel being firmly aground, both lifeboats were stood down and returned to station at 3.40am. After recovery and wash down, the crew were stood down and returned to their homes at 5am. Huw Williams, one of New Quay RNLI's coxswains said, 'It has been a very busy week for our crew, this being the fourth incident we have responded to, with our lifeboats launching on service six times. 'Remember if you find yourself in trouble on the coast or at sea, or if you see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for Coastguard.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
a day ago
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
New Quay RNLI launches on service to four incidents during busy bank holiday week
DURING the past week New Quay RNLI lifeboats launched four times in the space of six days. The first callout was last Friday (23 May) at 7.30pm when New Quay RNLI's Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, the Roy Barker V, launched on service to assist a sailor in distress, approximately 3 miles north of Cardigan Island. On arrival, Cardigan RNLI's lifeboat was already on scene and, having put one of their crew members on board to assess the casualty, had commenced towing the vessel towards New Quay. Daniel Potter, New Quay RNLI's coxswain said, 'Having assessed the situation, we decided that the safest course of action was to tow the 33ft yacht to New Quay, the nearest safe haven. 'We placed one of our crew members on board to assist the lone sailor, and the tow was transferred to us. Having safely moored the casualty vessel in New Quay harbour, the lifeboat returned to station and was recovered at 10.30pm.' The next day, Saturday (24 May), both New Quay lifeboats were launched on service at 3.30pm following concerns raised over two kayakers, thought to be in difficulty between Aberporth and Llangrannog. Both boats were tasked to carry out a shoreline search between New Quay and Aberporth. However, having searched as far as Cwmtydu the lifeboats were stood down at 4.55pm as the kayakers were found safe and well in New Quay. A false alarm with good intent. Next after a busy day at the station's open day on Sunday (25 May), New Quay's inshore lifeboat, the Will Morgan, launched on service at 9.40pm to investigate a paddleboard drifting in New Quay harbour. With three volunteer crew members on board, Simon Rigby, New Quay RNLI's helm said, 'Having spoken to the first informant, the paddleboard was quickly located and the lifeboat was tasked to conduct a search of the area. 'After completing a search and speaking to members of the public on the beach, and with no evidence of anyone being missing, it was concluded that the board had been washed out with the high tide.' The board was then recovered to a safe place by the lifeboat crew and New Quay's HM Coastguard team and the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station. The final callout was in the early hours of Wednesday morning (28 May). At 1.40am both lifeboats were tasked to respond to a DSC (digital selective calling) distress call from a yacht which had run aground in New Quay's bay. With breaking surf around the casualty vessel, the lifeboats provided illumination and safety cover as New Quay's HM Coastguard team evacuated the occupant of the vessel and an anchor was set. With all persons confirmed to be safe and well ashore, and with the ebbing tide resulting in the vessel being firmly aground, both lifeboats were stood down and returned to station at 3.40am. After recovery and wash down, the crew were stood down and returned to their homes at 5am. Huw Williams, one of New Quay RNLI's coxswains said, 'It has been a very busy week for our crew, this being the fourth incident we have responded to, with our lifeboats launching on service six times. 'Remember if you find yourself in trouble on the coast or at sea, or if you see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for Coastguard.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
a day ago
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Politicians attend opening of The Dizzy Bear in Milford Haven
DURING the past week New Quay RNLI lifeboats launched four times in the space of six days. The first callout was last Friday (23 May) at 7.30pm when New Quay RNLI's Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, the Roy Barker V, launched on service to assist a sailor in distress, approximately 3 miles north of Cardigan Island. On arrival, Cardigan RNLI's lifeboat was already on scene and, having put one of their crew members on board to assess the casualty, had commenced towing the vessel towards New Quay. Daniel Potter, New Quay RNLI's coxswain said, 'Having assessed the situation, we decided that the safest course of action was to tow the 33ft yacht to New Quay, the nearest safe haven. 'We placed one of our crew members on board to assist the lone sailor, and the tow was transferred to us. Having safely moored the casualty vessel in New Quay harbour, the lifeboat returned to station and was recovered at 10.30pm.' The next day, Saturday (24 May), both New Quay lifeboats were launched on service at 3.30pm following concerns raised over two kayakers, thought to be in difficulty between Aberporth and Llangrannog. Both boats were tasked to carry out a shoreline search between New Quay and Aberporth. However, having searched as far as Cwmtydu the lifeboats were stood down at 4.55pm as the kayakers were found safe and well in New Quay. A false alarm with good intent. Next after a busy day at the station's open day on Sunday (25 May), New Quay's inshore lifeboat, the Will Morgan, launched on service at 9.40pm to investigate a paddleboard drifting in New Quay harbour. With three volunteer crew members on board, Simon Rigby, New Quay RNLI's helm said, 'Having spoken to the first informant, the paddleboard was quickly located and the lifeboat was tasked to conduct a search of the area. 'After completing a search and speaking to members of the public on the beach, and with no evidence of anyone being missing, it was concluded that the board had been washed out with the high tide.' The board was then recovered to a safe place by the lifeboat crew and New Quay's HM Coastguard team and the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station. The final callout was in the early hours of Wednesday morning (28 May). At 1.40am both lifeboats were tasked to respond to a DSC (digital selective calling) distress call from a yacht which had run aground in New Quay's bay. With breaking surf around the casualty vessel, the lifeboats provided illumination and safety cover as New Quay's HM Coastguard team evacuated the occupant of the vessel and an anchor was set. With all persons confirmed to be safe and well ashore, and with the ebbing tide resulting in the vessel being firmly aground, both lifeboats were stood down and returned to station at 3.40am. After recovery and wash down, the crew were stood down and returned to their homes at 5am. Huw Williams, one of New Quay RNLI's coxswains said, 'It has been a very busy week for our crew, this being the fourth incident we have responded to, with our lifeboats launching on service six times. 'Remember if you find yourself in trouble on the coast or at sea, or if you see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for Coastguard.'
