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26 Mar 2026

Two to go before Special Criminal court for Louth firearms offences

Two men will be tried before the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court

Two to go before Special Criminal court for firearms offences

Special Criminal Court

Reporter:

Eoin Reynolds

28 May 2025 7:59 AM

Two men will be tried before the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court accused of possessing various parts for semi-automatic rifles and pistols and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in Louth.

Mark McCourt (34) of Edencrieve, Newry, Co Down faces 24 counts that on July 19, 2024, he possessed multiple parts for .223 calibre Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifles at John St, Blackstick, Ardee, Co Louth. 
It is further alleged that he possessed parts for various pistols, including Lugers and Sig Sauers, along with pistol magazines and ammunition. All alleged offences are contrary to the Firearms Act.
His co-accused, Conor O'Brien (28) of Kilpatrick, Ardee, Co Louth, is charged with 24 similar offences on the same date and at the same location. Mr O'Brien faces a further count that between 10 February 2023 and 19 July 2024, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, he participated in or contributed to activity intending, or being reckless as to whether such participation could facilitate that criminal organisation in importing firearms and ammunition into the State.
Mr O'Brien is also charged under the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act that on July 19, 2024, he converted, transferred, handled, acquired or possessed €7,450 and $20 Canadian while knowing, believing or being reckless as to whether the cash was the proceeds of criminal conduct.
He faces a similar charge for the alleged possession of €9980 in criminal proceeds at The Court, Hazelbrook Square, Dublin 14.
Ms Justice Karen O'Connor agreed to an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions to have both men tried before the Special Criminal Court.
Neither man was present for today's application, but they will be required to appear before the court at a sitting in June.

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