Young And Naive With A Fascination For Firearms: Three Friends Face Court Over Darkweb Weapons Possession

Monday, 4 March 2024 15:32

By Martin Osborne

A rifle, a handgun and 42 rounds of ammunition were discovered which it would be alleged were bought on the Darkweb for €2,700.

Three friends have appeared in court charged with the possession of two guns and ammunition.

The court heard it would be alleged the weapons were bought on the Darkweb with the young men being described as young and naive.

The court heard the three childhood friends were in a car that was stopped on Saturday in Straffan.

A rifle, a handgun and 42 rounds of ammunition were discovered which it would be alleged were bought on the Darkweb for €2,700.

The court heard it would be alleged 21-year-old Evan Fitzgerald of Kiltegan in Wicklow has a fascination with firearms.

A detective garda agreed one of the guns could be used in warfare but said he believed it was bought more for an interest or hobby and not for violence.

Two other men - 20-year-old Shane Kinsella from Kiltegan and 19-year-old Daniel Quinn Burke from Allendale Lawn in Baltinglass - were also charged.

Judge Desmond Zaidan described the three young men as looking so young and naive but noted the allegations were still very serious

The three men were granted bail - with conditions - and are due back in court in June.

More from Local News

Taxi Driver Protest Suspended Pending Outcome Of Talks

The action has been suspended pending the outcome of a meeting at Government buildings next week.
Lights Could Make Anti-Social Behaviour Worse: Council Says No To Security Lighting At Kilcock Playground

A motion from Social Democrats Councillor Peter Melrose had called for lighting to improve passive surveillance, but officials say previous attempts in other playgrounds failed to curb antisocial behaviour - and in some cases made it worse.
BREAKING: Green Light For €1.3bn Drainage Scheme Serving Kildare After Court Agreement

The major project is seen as crucial to the provision of future housing infrastructure.
Kildare Man Nigel Cullen Awarded With National Bravery Award After Saving Young Man From House Fire

Audio

More than 17 people have been recognised at this year’s National Bravery Awards in Leinster House
Council Diverts €17K Carbury Castle Resoration Funding To Christmas Lights - Maynooth Gets Lion's Share

€11,000 has been assigned to Maynooth, as part of €17,000 redistributed from the Carbury Castle Restoration Project under Local Property Tax rules.
Lakeside–Dara Park Redevelopment: Newbridge Residents Urged To Take Part In Survey

An online anonymous survey is now live and will remain open until 4pm on Friday, January 16th, 2026.
Irish Troops Come Under "Small-Arms Fire" In Lebanon

Defence Minister Helen McEntee is condemning the incident, and says it's an unacceptable breach of the UN Security Council Resolution.
€17,000 Paid Out For Pothole Damage In Kildare - But Some Claims Now Deemed ‘Act Of God’

IPB Insurance, which manages complaints on behalf of Kildare County Council, is the insurance company some people appear to be having issues with.