Four men including three brothers charged over attempted theft of ATMs in Co Cavan and Co Monaghan

Four men including three brothers appeared in court on Tuesday charged in connection with the attempted theft of ATMs.

Gerard Duffy, 29, Ciaran Duffy 26, and their 34-year-old sibling Stephen were brought to the Special Criminal Court accused of the attempted theft in Virginia, Co Cavan, last August.

They are also charged with the attempted theft of another machine in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, in April 2019.

Niall Finnegan, 38, is also accused of the offences. It’s also alleged they are involved in a criminal group.

It’s claimed Finnegan, of Cullyhana, Co Armagh, and Stephen Duffy, from Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, participated in or helped move cash in a car in Co Meath last August.

The two are also accused of possession of stolen cash.

Ciaran Duffy, of Loughnamore, Co Monaghan, is charged with participating in the movement of and the possession of cash for a crime group and also with an attempted theft of an ATM at the Riverfront Hotel and Bar, in Virginia on August 14, 2019.

It’s further alleged he tried to steal an ATM and criminal damage at Main Street, Castleblayney in April last year.

Along with his brother Gerard it’s claimed he participated or contributed to the possession of cash intending to facilitate the commission a serious offence in Tullypole, Co Meath, last August.

Gerard Duffy is further charged with the attempted theft of an ATM at the Riverfront Hotel and Bar, Virginia in August last year.

It’s also alleged he had cash with the intent to facilitate the commission of an offence in Moynalty.

Duffy is also accused of the attempted theft of an ATM from Main Street, Castleblayney on April 3, 2019; and criminal damage at the AIB in Castleblayney on the same date.

Garda have foiled what is believed to have been the attempted theft of an ATM from a bank branch in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan (Philip Fitzpatrick..)

Det Sgt Kieran Regan, Det Vincent O’Boyle, Det Lisa Gaughan and Det Mark Looby all gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

The Duffys, through their solicitors, said bail sureties were available.

Prosecutor Michael O’Donovan said gardai would need time to verify the provenance of the sureties before dealing with any bail application.

Defence counsel said their clients would be seeking bail and legal aid.

Judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt adjourned all matters to Tuesday to allow for inspection of sureties.