In a recent development, Veronica Maher, the 54-year-old widow of Jason “Jay” Hennessy Sr., has been charged with multiple offenses, including threatening to kill a Garda officer and intentionally releasing an XL Bully dog to intimidate law enforcement personnel. These charges stem from incidents that occurred during a Garda investigation into organized crime activities in West Dublin.​

Background of the Case

Jason Hennessy Sr. was fatally shot on Christmas Eve 2023 at Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown. The incident, which occurred during a family gathering, resulted in the death of both Hennessy Sr. and the assailant, Tristan Sherry. This event marked a significant escalation in gang-related violence in the area.​

Charges Against Veronica Maher

On April 4, 2025, Gardaí conducted a search at Maher’s residence on Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown, as part of an ongoing investigation into organized crime. During this operation, Maher allegedly released an XL Bully pit bull from her garden, causing officers to flee in fear. This act led to a charge of endangerment, as it created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to the officers involved.​

In addition to the endangerment charge, Maher is accused of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to a Garda officer and his colleagues. Furthermore, she faces charges related to the possession of proceeds from criminal activities, including a €10 marked note used in an undercover drug operation and €1,350 in various denominations suspected to be derived from criminal conduct.​

Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions of Widow

Maher appeared before Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court, where she was granted bail under strict conditions. These conditions include refraining from owning restricted dog breeds and abstaining from engaging in drug-related activities. The court also mandated that she reside at her current address and avoid contact with certain individuals connected to the investigation.​

Involvement of Other Associates

The Garda operation also led to the arrest of two other women, aged in their 20s and 30s, who are associates of the late Hennessy Sr. These individuals were detained in connection with the investigation into the organized crime group operating in West Dublin. During the search, authorities seized multiple mobile phones, three high-powered scrambler motorcycles, and several XL Bully dogs. The presence of these dogs has raised concerns, given their association with intimidation tactics used by criminal organizations.​

Community Impact and Garda Response

The recent charges against Maher and the arrests of her associates highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling organized crime in Dublin. The use of aggressive dog breeds as tools of intimidation underscores the evolving tactics employed by these groups. Gardaí have reiterated their commitment to dismantling such organizations and ensuring the safety of the community.​

Legal Implications and Next Steps

As the legal proceedings continue, Maher and her co-accused are scheduled to appear in court at a later date. The charges they face carry significant penalties, reflecting the seriousness of their alleged actions. The court’s emphasis on strict bail conditions indicates the perceived risk posed by the defendants to public safety.​

The arrest and charging of Veronica Maher mark a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in Dublin. The allegations of using an XL Bully dog to threaten Gardaí highlight the lengths to which individuals may go to intimidate law enforcement. This case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in addressing gang-related activities and the importance of continued vigilance by both authorities and the community.​

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