A woman has been arrested following two armed robberies in Ballincollig last night, during which she threatened the victims with a fake gun and bladed weapons. Gardaí took the woman into custody late on Sunday night, and they are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Gardaí were called to a petrol station in the town just after 10 pm on Sunday following reports that a woman had entered the premises and threatened staff with a suspected imitation firearm. Shortly thereafter, Gardaí were alerted to a separate robbery during which the woman used a knife to threaten another woman on the street and force her to hand over cash before fleeing.
A woman in her 40s has been arrested in connection with the incidents. Gardaí recovered an imitation firearm and a number of bladed weapons during the arrest. The firearm has been sent for ballistic analysis to confirm whether it is just an imitation weapon or if it has been modified in any way.
While the victims were left shaken, thankfully, nobody was injured during the incident. The woman is detained at a local Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, and Gardaí say that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Gardaí are looking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed either incident. Anyone who was travelling in the Ballincollig area on Sunday, 15th March 2026, between 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm, is asked to contact investigating Gardaí. Additionally, road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam footage) are asked to make it available to Gardaí.
A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a report of incidents of robbery in the Ballincollig area yesterday evening, Sunday 15th March 2026. Gardaí attended the scene following a report of a robbery at a premises in Ballincollig at approximately 10:15 pm. A female entered the premises brandishing a suspected imitation firearm and threatened staff.
“Later that evening, Gardaí responded to a report of a separate incident of robbery in Ballincollig. A female brandishing an implement threatened an individual. A quantity of cash is reported to have been taken. A woman aged in her 40s was subsequently arrested in connection with the investigation, and is currently detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at a Garda Station in the Co. Cork area.
“An imitation firearm and a number of bladed implements were recovered. The firearm is subject to ballistic analysis. No injuries were reported at the time. Investigations are ongoing.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Togher Garda Station on (021) 494 7120, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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