This individual made a series of protected disclosures about malpractice in the Garda’s armoury division and had contacted Mr Kearney for advice. The Defence Forces Ombudsman, retired judge Alan Mahon, described submissions he had received on the matter as “disturbing”. Last year, after the conclusion of the court-martial, he was promoted to commandant, but only after the intervention of the Defence Forces Ombudsman. He left the Defence Forces soon afterwards and now works as a security consultant. And it is happening at the very moment the Defence Forces are assuring the public they have changed.”A spokesperson for the Defence Forces said it does not comment on individual cases.

Source: Irish Examiner February 15, 2026 20:30 UTC