Man jailed for arson of Cork pub after 'the mist descended' for being refused service

Murphy’s Rock bar had 40 to 50 patrons and staff inside at the time of the arson, the court heard

Stephen McCarthy admitted a number of charges including that on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Murphy’s Rock bar, Ballincollie Road, Dublin Hill, Cork, he committed arson in that he damaged by fire property, namely doors, windows, blinds and exterior and interior paint, intending damage or being reckless as to whether it would be damaged. File picture: Larry Cummins

Up to 50 staff and customers of Murphy’s Rock bar witnessed a man carrying out a Sunday night arson attack on the premises after he took umbrage at not being further served at the bar and “the mist descended”. 

Detective Garda Kevin Motherway gave evidence of what occurred and Judge Dermot Sheehan sentenced Stephen McCarthy of Bay 10, Spring Lane halting site, Cork, to four-and-a-half years in prison with the last year suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.