Cork man accused of possessing guns, ammunition and explosives faces 17 new charges

Most of the charges against Paul Sheehan are contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 and one under the Explosive Substances Act of 1883. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

New charges were brought on Monday in the case against a man who was arrested last November as part of an investigation into an alleged stash of guns, ammunition and explosives found at a house in Douglas.

Detective Garda Anthony Daly confirmed that 17 additional charges had been brought against Paul Sheehan on Monday, and one of the previous charges was withdrawn.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the accused in custody until Friday, May 1, for the defence to consider if a signed plea of guilty would be entered or if the case is going to be contested.

The judge remanded 45-year-old Paul Sheehan of Elm Drive, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas in Cork, in continuing custody.

Detective Garda Anthony Daly said in an earlier outline of the allegations against the accused: “He was discovered in possession of illegally held firearms and ammunition on November 4, 2025, in suspicious circumstances at Applegreen Service Station in Mallow.

“At Applegreen Service Station on November 4 he was caught red-handed in possession of a 32 calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol… firearm components, ammunition and a quantity of cocaine. There was evidence of a firearm having being discharged from within the vehicle.

“In the search at his home, a large amount of firearms, ammunition and explosive substances were found, including three pipe bomb bodies. Evidence of the manufacture and alteration of firearms and ammunition was also discovered.” 

Most of the charges are contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 and one under the Explosive Substances Act of 1883.

The charges include possession of a .32 calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol, a deactivated .38 calibre Smith & Wesson revolver, a slide for a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and three pipe bomb bodies.

He is also charged with counts of possession of cocaine and Alprazolam for his own use at Applegreen on November 4, 2025.