GAA treasurer guilty of stealing €75k from club

A FEMALE GAA treasurer yesterday pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Court to stealing cash amounting to €75,943 from the Blackrock club in Kilfinane and forging cheques to the value of €11,771.

Patricia Carroll, aged 49, of Chapel Lane, Kilfinane, admitted to 19 sample charges.

Of the stolen cash, more than €63,000 was raised by the club through its lotto draw.

Carroll pleaded guilty to nine charges of stealing various amounts of cash from the club varying in quantity from as high as €30,599 to the smallest amount of €350 on dates between October 2005 and March 2007.

Other amounts included sums of €17,040, €10,904, €5,000, €2,500 and €2,400.

The offences occurred at the AIB branch in Lord Edward Street, Kilmallock.

She also admitted to 10 counts of forging Bank of Ireland cheques at Chapel Lane, Kilmallock.

The total in forged cheques came to €11, 771.

Michael Collins BL, instructed by Aidan Judge, state solicitor, said it was a sizeable indictment amount to 39 charges to which the accused pleaded guilty to a sample of 19 charges.

Mark Nicholas BL, for the accused, said it was a very serious case and restitution would be made to the club by Carroll through the sale of a house.

Judge Carroll Moran adjourned the case until January 28 and allowed the accused on continuing bail.