Cork man, 31, appears in court charged with alleged offences involving cattle rustling

Colm Dineen of Cappaghmore, Ballydehob, Co Cork, appeared before Macroom District Court on Wednesday

Colm Dineen arriving at Macroom court. Picture: Noel Sweeney

A 31-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of alleged offences involving the stealing of cattle including the theft of 18 cattle with a value of €30,000 at a farm in the Lakelands area of Skibbereen, Co Cork, last month.

Colm Dineen of Cappaghmore, Ballydehob, Co Cork, appeared before Macroom District Court in Co Cork on Wednesday.

Det Garda Hugh Byrne gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in connection with the first three charges. He said Mr Dineen made no reply when the charges were put to him under caution.

Mr Dineen is charged that on November 24 last at Lakelands, Skibbereen, Co Cork, he did steal 18 cattle. The stolen cattle included four Limousin cows, two Aberdeen Angus and 12 Friesians, valued at approximately €30,000. The cattle were the property of Brian Lawlor.

Mr Dineen was also charged that between April 5 and April 6 last that he did enter The Bunglalow, Rowry, Rosscarbery, Co Cork, as a trespasser and did commit a theft.

Mr Dineen was also charged that between December 6 and December 7, 2017, at Lyre, Aughadown, Skibbereen, Co Cork, he did steal 13 Friesian bullocks worth approximately €9,750. The cattle were the property of Martin Harte.

Meanwhile, Det Garda Martin Bohane gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to the remaining two alleged offences. He said that Mr Dineen made no reply when the charges were put to him under caution.

Mr Dineen is charged that on March 4, 2023, he did steal three Friesian in-calf heifers, valued at €1,500, the property of John Sweetnam.

The accused was also charged that on a date unknown between November 11, 2025, and November 15, 2025, at Lissaclarig East, Aughadown, Ballydehob, Co Cork, he did steal eight cattle.

The alleged theft involved the taking of five calf Friesian heifers and three Aberdeen Angus valued at €12,000 which were the property of Pat O’Donovan. 

All offences are contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Fraud and Theft Offences) Act 2001.

No bail application was made in the case. A bail application will be made when Mr Dineen is next before the court.

Defence solicitor Flor Murphy asked that his client receive appropriate medical and psychiatric attention in custody amid “concern” about his welfare. Judge Joanne Carroll directed that the defendant be medically assessed and receive all the necessary medical care whilst in custody.

Judge Carroll remanded Mr Dineen in custody to appear before Clonakilty District Court in West Cork on December 16 next.