Men in mosque plot warned of further attacks, court told
Three men have pleaded guilty to plotting a terrorist attack on a mosque in Galway, Ireland, as part of a right-wing extremist group. The court heard that the group, known as the 'Irish defence army,' also threatened further attacks against mosques and refugee accommodation.
Why it matters
The case highlights the growing threat of domestic right-wing extremism and anti-immigrant violence in Ireland.
Three men who admitted planning to blow up a mosque in Galway last year also threatened to attack anyone involved in mosques and accommodation for people seeking international protection, the Special Criminal Court has heard.
35-year-old Garrett Pollock of Kilhorne Greene, Annalong, Co Down, 34-year-old Darren Gorman of O'Moore Place in Portlaoise; and 39-year-old Karolis Peckauskas with an address at Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in a terrorist activity, namely damaging by fire the Maryam Mosque on the Monivea Road in Galway, between 4-5 November 2025.
In a video taking responsibility for the attack filmed before it had taken place, the men also threatened that their targets could include women "if deemed a threat to our loved ones" and warned that the attack in Galway would not be the last they would carry out.
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