Richard O’Callaghan, 33, of 33 Liffey Park, Mayfield, Cork, was charged with counts under the Misuse of Drugs Act.[1] The most serious count referred to cannabis worth more than €13,000, the threshold for a minimum 10-year sentence unless exceptional circumstances apply.[1] Gardaí arrested him after the seizure in Mayfield and brought him before Cork District Court.[2] The search took place at his home under warrant on 15 September 2024.[1] He was charged with possessing cannabis for his own use and with possessing it for sale or supply.[2] He pleaded guilty to the charges.[1]

Detective Garda Michael Abernethy told the sentencing hearing that a Tesco shopping bag of cannabis was found in the shed, another bag under the stairs in the hall, and another in the kitchen.[1] The total value of the drugs was more than €67,400, the court heard.[1] O’Callaghan said in interview that he had the 3kg to share with friends and smoke himself between September and December that year, but gardaí concluded from his phone messages that he was dealing.[1]

When the case was before the court in March 2026, Judge Helen Boyle adjourned sentencing until June 26 at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.[3] She imposed four years and eight months, with the last one year and eight months suspended.[1] She said a previous conviction for drug-dealing at Cork District Court was an aggravating factor.[1] The judge said he had a longstanding addiction to cannabis.[1] He had engaged with a supplier to provide for his own use and to make more money, she said.[1] In mitigation, the judge noted that he took full responsibility, had potential to work in honest employment and had a supportive family.[1] Senior counsel Tom Creed said O’Callaghan was mainly storing the drugs for another unnamed person and otherwise spent much of his time breeding Jack Russell terriers and selling them around the world.[1]