Man charged with allegedly throwing ignited fireworks at Donegal nightclub

A man with an address in Killybegs is facing charges of throwing ignited fireworks into a Killybegs nightclub.

Charles Gallagher, 33, of Conlin Road, Killybegs, was before Donegal District Court on Monday, July 29. Garda Brendan Waters gave evidence of arresting the defendant for the purpose of charge ahead of the court sitting. 

Gallagher is facing two separate charges where it is alleged that on December 8, 2024 he threw an ignited firework at The Cope Night Club, Main Street, Killybegs. The offences are contrary to Section 80 (1) (b) of the Explosives Act, 1875 (as substituted by Section 68 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006).

Garda Waters told the court that the defendant replied ‘not guilty’ to each of the charges. 

The defendant is further charged with alleged theft on July 22, 2025 of four Trybe Powerbank 5000mAh, property of Ray McLoon, Store Manager, Eurogiant, Donegal Town.  at Eurogiant, Donegal Town. The offence is contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Gallagher has already been before the court on other charges, one of which is related to the alleged fireworks incident. He is charged that on December 8, 2024, he caused criminal damage to the Cope Bar, Killybegs, a property belonging to Delores Robinson. The offence is contrary to Contrary to Section 2(1) of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991. 

And it is further alleged that on August 24, 2024 at The Cope Bar, Killybegs, the defendant assaulted Delores Robinson.

Solicitor Rory O’Brien raised concern about the length of time his client had been on bail awaiting clarity on whether the matters would be dealt with by way of summary disposal. This means that the case would be heard in the district court rather than trial by judge and jury in the circuit court.

Inspector Aoife Curley said that it had been directed that some of the matters would be dealt with by summary disposal, but there was a small query which still needed to be resolved. 

Judge Sandra Murphy was sitting in Donegal District Court for the final time ahead of her move from District 2 to District 3. She said that if summary disposal was directed, it would fall to her successor, Judge Éiteáin Cunningham to deal with the matters.

Judge Murphy adjourned the cases to Donegal District Court on September 3.

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