Man obstructed gardaí in Laois 

A man pleaded guilty to obstructing gardai and possession of drugs in Laois. 

Kieran Hyland(36) of The Heath, Portlaoise, appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of obstructing gardaí at Hinds Square, Portlaoise and possession of cocaine at Abbeyleix Garda Station on July 20, 2025. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said three males had aroused the suspicion of gardaí at Hinds Square at 1am on July 27. He said the defendant tried to evade gardaí and when he was brought to the garda station a bag of white powder containing €50 of cocaine was found. 

“When he came to his senses he cooperated,” said Sgt Kirby. He said the man was from a decent family. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client wasn’t working at present but had previously worked as an electrician. He said the man had previously been addicted to cocaine but had broken the habit. On the date in question the man had received bad news about a family member and he relapsed as he had difficulty coping, said Mr Fitzgerald.

Judge Susan Fay referred the man to the Athy Alternative Project and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court in the new year for an update