Mick Clifford: Long and winding road from WhatsApp messages to the Limerick garda trial

The probe into fixed charge notices was legal, but many questions remain — including whether it was even necessary, writes Mick Clifford
Mick Clifford: Long and winding road from WhatsApp messages to the Limerick garda trial

Husband and wife, retired superintendent Eamon O'Neill and Sergeant Anne-Maire Hassett. In 2019, Mr O'Neill was arrested and taken to Athlone for questioning; Sgt Hassett was held in their home for two hours. This week, they and the other three defendants in the Limerick Garda trial have been found not guilty of all charges. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Sun, 01 Feb, 2026 - 08:00
Mick Clifford

It began at 6.36am on May 16, 2019. Gardaí from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI) arrived at former superintendent Eamon O’Neill’s home in Co Clare.

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