Former council cathaoirleach sent forward for trial

Charged with theft of €172K from mental health charity

A former Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council has been sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court charged with the theft of €172,000 from a Meath-based charity.

Sean McKiernan (42) appeared before Judge Miriam Walsh at Trim District Court yesterday (Thursday).

Mr McKiernan, with an address at Trinity Bungalow, Virginia Road, Bailieborough, Co Cavan, was charged with 58 counts of theft at various unknown locations within the State from Navan Mental Health Housing Association in amounts ranging from €500 to €7,500 in 2019.

Garda Sean Patterson gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on the accused. Judge Walsh delivered a warning to the accused that, if he wished to rely on an alibi as part of his defence, he should give the details in writing to gardaí within 14 days.

She then sent Mr McKiernan, who was represented by barrister James O'Brien, forward for trial to Trim Circuit Court on April 30 next.

Free legal aid was granted in the form of a solicitor and two barristers.

A Fine Gael councillor for Bailieborough electoral area from 2007-2014, Sean McKiernan made history in 2011 when at age 29 he was elected as the youngest ever chairman, or Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council. He was returned unopposed to the position.

He was also a member of Cavan/Monaghan ETB and served a term as its cathaoirleach.