Man accused of burgling Portlaoise pub

A man appeared in court accused of burgling a well known Portlaoise pub. 

James Patrick O’Donnell (47) of 67 St Brigid’s Place, Portlaoise is accused of burglary and the theft of €1,900 in cash and change, trespass and causing criminal damage to a window latch above a door at Humes’ Bar, Main Street, Portlaoise on January 8, 2026. He is further accused of possessing drugs for personal use at his address on the same date. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby gave an outline of the alleged incident to Judge Catherine Ryan at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

He said a man was captured on CCTV entering the pub and removing cash and coins valued at €1,900. He said the male wore a face covering which he removed at one point in the footage. 

Sgt Kirby said the cost of the criminal damage to the latch was approximately €200 and the drugs allegedly found at the defendant’s address were valued at around €200. 

On hearing the facts, Judge Ryan said she would accept jurisdiction. She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on June 8 when a plea or date for hearing is expected to be entered.