Three men jailed in Ireland over plot to bomb Galway mosque

Three men have been jailed by Ireland’s Special Criminal Court for plotting to bomb a mosque in Galway, Sahara Reporters reported Friday, in a story republished from BBC News.

Garrett Pollock, 36, of County Down, received 10½ years, with the last year suspended. Darren Gorman, 34, of Portlaoise, and Karolis Peckauskas, 39, of Drogheda, each got eight years, with the last year suspended.

They were convicted of attempting to engage in terrorist activity by planning to damage the Maryam Mosque on Monivea Road. Arrested in November 2025, they had materials for pipe bombs and Molotov cocktails, along with hatchets, knives and masks. Pollock also pleaded guilty to possessing an explosive substance.

Detective Inspector Alan McDevitt said the men belonged to the Irish Defence Army, a violent right-wing extremist group.

Justice Caroline Biggs said the plot was meant to spread a terrorising message worldwide and was intended as the first of many attacks. She said the men’s actions “bring shame” on modern, multicultural Ireland.