Judge refuses bail to two men charged in connection with Carlow firearms and drugs seizures

TWO men charged in connection with major firearms offences in Carlow have been denied bail.

John Brannigan (45) of Upper Bason Street, Dublin 8 was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation targeting the sale and supply of drugs and related criminal activity in Carlow on 10 October last.

Mark O’Sullivan (44) of 2 Kernanstown, Bennekerry, Co Carlow appeared relating to a total of seven charges before Judge John Cheatle at a special sitting of Wexford District Court today (Sunday) relating to firearms offences.

The charges arose following an ongoing investigation targeting the sale and supply of drugs and related criminal activity in Carlow. Gardaí searched a number of properties on 16 and 17 October 2025 and seized a viable suspect device, four firearms and suspected cocaine with a street value of €35,000 and cannabis worth €10,000.

Mr O’Sullivan has been charged that, on 16 October 2025 at 2 Kernanstown, Bennekerry, Carlow, he had in his control ‘a complete igniferous pipe bomb, an explosive substance’, to wit, an explosive device.

He was further charged with possession of .22 LR Derringer pistol; possession of two rounds of ammunition; and one .22 LRPurple 3D printed gun located within a shed at the rear of property on 16 October 2025. He was also charged that on 17 October 2025 at 2 Kernanstown, Bennekerry he had control of a firearm, 3D printed gun, and also a shotgun; also that on 17 October 2025 at 2 Kernanstown, Bennekerry he had under his control a quantity of .22 bullets.

Det Garda Kayleigh Milward gave evidence to the court of arrest, charge and caution.

Det Milward told the court that when the individual charges were put to the accused, he replied: “I apologise for my behaviour and to anyone who was in danger.” 

Solicitor for the accused, Alexander Rafter, told the court that there is an application for bail. Given the seriousness of the offences, prosecuting Sgt Victor Isdell said gardaí were objecting to bail.

Det Garda Milward said the accused had a number of previous convictions. Given these previous convictions and the seriousness of the charges, she said gardaí were objecting to bail.

Defence solicitor Mr Rafter said that his client’s last previous conviction was back in 2021. He is a carer for his mother, who is 85 years of age. Should he be granted bail, he would abide by any restrictions laid down by the court and sign on at Carlow Garda Station. While admitting that his client’s “history is not good”, the solicitor added that there appears to be a good period with an unblemished history.

Judge Cheatle said he would refuse the application for bail, remanding the accused in custody to appear via video link at Carlow District Court on Wednesday next, 22 October.

John Brannigan (45) has been charged that on 16 October 2025 at New Oak Estate, Carlow he had in his possession a firearm, one .22 Derringer pistol. He was further charged that on the same date and place he had in his possession two rounds of ammunition.

Det Garda John Moulton told the court that when the charges were put to the accused, he made no response to each charge.

In making an application for bail, Andrew Bolger BL said that should bail be granted, the accused would comply with all conditions laid down by the court.

Sgt Victor Isdell said gardaí were objecting to bail, outlining that the accused had a number of previous convictions and is currently on High Court bail.

Judge Cheatle said he would refuse bail, remanding the accused to appear before Carlow District Court on Wednesday 22 October via video link.

Judge Cheatle granted legal aid in respect of both accused.