A Cork man’s cannabis growing exploits proved so successful and he got carried away with it to such an extent that by the time gardaí raided his apartment, he had grown €60,000 worth of the drug. Defence senior counsel Jane Hyland said Ciaran MacCarthaigh, 29, of Leeside Apartments, Francis Street, Cork, had a diagnosis of autism and bi-polar disorder and had difficulties with psychosis. As a result of a jaw injury where he had to have titanium plates inserted, he began to self-medicate with cannabis. Ms Hyland said the intensity of his focus on growing the drug at his apartment meant his growing operation got out of control. He is hugely remorseful.” She said he had been engaging with mental health services.

Source: Irish Examiner February 23, 2026 23:46 UTC