‘High flyer’ accused of damaging Cosby Hall gates in Laois

A man who described himself as a “high flyer” appeared in court accused of damaging the 18th Century wrought iron gates at Cosby Hall in Stradbally. 

Sean Mernagh (35) with an address at Borohill, Ballymackessy, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford decided to represent himself at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

He is accused of causing €19,500 worth of damage to the 18th Century wrought iron gates of Cosby Hall on September 6, 2023.  

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP directed that the case should only be heard in the district court if there was a guilty plea. 

Garda Alan Daly objected to bail for the defendant. He said the man had proven difficult to locate on previous occasions. He said while the court had two addresses for the accused, he was unwelcome at either. 

Mr Mernagh asked the garda if he had stolen money from his van. Garda Daly said he had not. 

He agreed he had proved difficult to locate in the past but said “I was destitute. I had no money.” 

Mr Mernagh told the court he had a number of health concerns including arthritis and a pulmonary disease. 

“I believe that I have cancer… I have the symptoms,” he said. 

“I had a horrendous year of poor medical conditions,” Mr Mernagh continued. 

He told the court that he had a masters in engineering and had suffered a “catastrophic injury” in a fall. “I am actually a high flyer,” he told the court. 

Mr Mernagh asked to be granted bail.   “I am confident that I will be able to gain employment/income,” he said.  

He said he had fallouts with his family “over my illness” but insisted he was “clawing back my life”. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked him about the charge of “damage of €19,500 to the wrought iron gates of Cosby Hall, the property of Thomas Cosby.”

“I can tell you now I am pleading not guilty,” Mr Mernagh replied. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the plea of not guilty will trigger a book of evidence. 

Judge Cody remanded the man in custody to appear before Portlaoise District Court by video link on June 13.