A man has appeared in court in Athlone this afternoon charged in connection with an online threat to kill Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Cory O’Connor, aged 22, of Battery Heights in Athlone, was brought before Athlone District Court charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Mr Martin on 22 October 2025.
His solicitor indicated in court today that his client will be pleading guilty.
Detective Garda Bryan Kelly of the Special Detective Unit gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.
He told the court the accused sent the threatening message on 22 October last year from his own social media platform.
The message was sent to the Taoiseach’s Facebook account.
Detective Garda Kelly said the threat was the sole message sent by the accused.
In the message, Detective Garda Kelly said that Cory O’Connor told the Taoiseach that he would stab him, the next time he sees him.
Detective Kelly said the accused had met gardaí voluntarily today and was arrested and charged at Athlone Garda Station.
When charged, he replied: “I have an apology letter at home”.
The court was told that directions from the DPP had been received for the case to be dealt via summary disposal, a legal term meaning the case will be dealt with in the District Court.
Defence solicitor Mark Cooney said his client would be entering a guilty plea subject to the court accepting jurisdiction and he asked for adjournment to allow the State canvass for a victim impact statement.
Judge Elizabeth Healy granted Cory O’Connor legal aid, and she remanded him on bail subject to strict conditions including the accused stay off all social media and have no contact with Mr Martin.
He must also sign on weekly at Athlone Garda Station.
The accused will appear back before Athlone District Court for sentencing next month.