JAIL FOR THEFT OF TREES FROM DECLAN GANLEY

Date Published: 15-Jul-2011

A man – who cut down eight ancient ash trees on Libertas founder Declan Ganley’s land – has been jailed for one year.

John Keane of New Houses, Carrick-on-suir, Co Tipperary was found guilty of stealing the trees at Moyne Park, Tuam on June 12th 2009.

The 33-year-old was also found guilty of stealing 14 ash trees from Mr Ganley’s neighbour Thomas McHugh two days beforehand.

The court heard that he cut down the trees to make hurleys as a scarity of ash in Ireland has made it a "highly sought after commodity."