Before sentencing at Clonmel Circuit Court today Judge Tom Teehan said the crime had shocked the nation, that it had a highly planned nature and that the level of violence was terrifying.
All seven had admitted to one charge of aggravated burglary on the home of Mark and Emma Corcoran and their three young daughters at Burnchurch near Killenaule in November of 2013.
The victim impact statement from the Corcoran’s eldest daughter was read in court earlier this week – she thought her “daddy was going to die” when the raiders attacked him.
22 year old Dean Byrne of Cabra Park was sentenced to 20 years with 4 suspended.
Patrick Gately, aged 27, of Primrose Grove, Darndale was also sentenced to 20 years with 4 suspended.
John Joyce aged 20 of Lentisk Lawn, Donaghmede has been sentenced to 15 years with 4 suspended.
Patrick Joyce – aged 22 – of Beaumont Hall, Beaumont Woods was sentenced to 14 years by Judge Tom Teehan with 4 suspended
20 year old Thomas Flynn of Moatview Avenue, Coolock was given a 12 year jail term with 3 suspended.
23 year old Michael McDonagh of Tara Lawns, Belcamp Lane, Coolock had seven years of his 12 year term suspended.
Donal O'Hara aged 22 from Glin Park in Coolock was also sentenced to 12 years with 7 suspended.
Shortly before the seven gang members were led away from the courtroom, some of them shouting as they left, Judge Tom Teehan offered his best wishes to the Corcorans.
“I’m quite certain everyone in court has enormous sympathy for what you have endured,” he told the emotional couple after he issued the prison terms.I’d like to wish you every possible success and for your children in your efforts to recover from this. No doubt your own determination will be very important in that regard. Nobody could possibly ever forget what you have gone through.
The judge added that, over the years, he found that the victims of crime “who recover best” from the effects of those crimes are those who find some measure of forgiveness for the perpetrators.
“You may find that impossible or at least very difficult,” the judge said. Emma Corcoran said “thank you, your honour,” in response.
A statement read on behalf of Mark and Emma Corcoran following today’s hearing thanked their family, friends and neighbours – particularly the people of Burnchurch, Killenaule and also the efforts of the Gardai.
Chief Superindent of the Tipperary Garda Division Catherine Keogh also paid tribute to the Corcoran family for their 'courage and bravery' throughout the ordeal.
She also praised the work of the Gardaí, both locally and nationally, for their 'relentless work and professionalism' which ultimately led to the success of the investigation.
(Picture shows Patrick Gately being led away from court this afternoon)
