Cork man admits to stealing almost €50k from not-for-profit organisation in six years

EIL Intercultural Learning is described on its website as an Irish educational organisation which provides intercultural learning opportunities

The location of the thefts was EIL Intercultural Learning at Washington Street in Cork. File picture: Larry Cummins

Almost €50,000 was stolen from a not-for-profit educational organisation in Cork City over a six-year period and a 57-year-old man confessed on Tuesday to 16 charges arising out of this crime.

The location of the thefts was EIL Intercultural Learning at Washington Street in Cork. 

This organisation is described on its website as an Irish educational organisation which provides intercultural learning opportunities through study abroad, youth leadership, language training, travel awards, scholarships, group educational programmes, and other cultural immersion opportunities for over 1,800 people each year.

Today, Liam Shannahan of Lake View, Midleton, County Cork, indicated that he would sign pleas of guilty to all charges against him.

The theft charges related to a period from 2014 to 2020.

One of the 16 charges stated that “Liam Shannahan did on dates between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, he did steal property, to wit, approximately €8,850, the property of EIL Intercultural Learning.

The accused man was represented by solicitor Don Ryan.

On the application of Sergeant Gearóid Davis, Judge David Waters sent the case forward from Cork District Court to the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on October 27.

No details of the circumstances that gave rise to the 16 charges were given in court. It is anticipated that this will be done at the sentencing hearing in the circuit court.