Ex-Council Head Admits Charity Theft

**Seán McKiernan**, a former leader of Cavan County Council, has admitted to stealing more than €172,000 from a mental health charity located in County Meath. The thefts occurred over multiple instances.

Guilty Plea Entered

**McKiernan**, 43, who resides at Trinity Bungalow, Virginia Road, Bailieborough in Co Cavan, faced 58 counts of theft across various locations in the State. He appeared before Judge **John Martin** at Trim Circuit Court and pleaded guilty to two sample charges.

The charges included thefts ranging from €500 to €7,500 from the Navan Mental Health Housing Association, all taking place in 2019. The first sample count involved the theft of €5,230 on March 26, 2019, at an unspecified location. The second related to the theft of €800 from the charity on April 6, 2020.

Political Career

**McKiernan** served as a councillor representing the Bailieborough electoral area from 2007 to 2014. At 29, he became the youngest ever Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council in 2011. He also held a position on the Cavan Monaghan Education Training Board, including a term as chair.

For over a decade, **McKiernan** was also a member of the national executive of Fine Gael. Legal aid, encompassing a solicitor and two barristers, had previously been granted to **McKiernan**.

Sentencing Looms

Judge **Martin** has allowed **McKiernan** to remain on bail until his next court appearance on October 21 at Trim Circuit Court, where his sentencing date will be determined. It is important to note that in 2023, fraud and theft accounted for 25% of all reported economic crimes in Ireland (Statista).