A former affluent Galway businessman who has been described by a Circuit Court Judge as “a neighbour from hell” after an arson attack on a Galway City Business.
Galway Circuit Criminal Court heard that Michael O’Reilly (69) formerly of Towin Island, Oranmore, Co Galway, pleaded guilty to one count of arson at VP Motors, Forthill Street, Galway, on March 3, 2025. He has 80 prior convictions dating back to 1997.
Passing sentence today/yesterday (Thursday), Judge Brian O’Callaghan said this man has committed an appalling crime. Thankfully, the fuel bag was not placed under the car’s rear. This man knew what he was doing and that he had time to exit the area.
The judge said he was putting out a message, an insidious one, “I am here, look what I have done again.” To put it bluntly, he must be the “neighbour from hell.”
Judge O’Callaghan said O’Reilly, who owns property adjoining that of VP Motors, knew there were CCTV cameras in the area and that he wore no disguise, and it was clear he made a premeditated decision.
The judge said this was an act of “spite and bitter hatred” toward the injured parties, nothing less. He said this offending must be reflected with a custodial sentence.
Judge O’Callaghan sentenced O’Reilly to six years in prison; he suspended the final three years of the sentence for four years and placed him under the supervision of the Probation Services for 18 months post-release.
He ordered that O’Reilly must have no direct or indirect contact with the injured parties, their wives or children and that he must not come within 50 metres of the business before 8am and after 6pm for eight years post-release.
Garda Tom Clarke told Geri Silke BL, prosecuting, that gardai were alerted to a van on fire outside VP Motors in Galway City on the night in question. CCTV footage of the incident was played to the court, in which O’Reilly could be seen arriving at the premises in a wheelchair, placing items on the van’s bonnet, and setting it alight. He then left the area.
When gardai arrived at the scene, the fire service had brought the fire under control. CCTV footage was obtained and viewed, and O’Reilly was identified and arrested. During the course of his interview, he made a full admission to the gardai. He told gardai he was annoyed with the business owner and caused the damage as revenge.
The court heard that O’Reilly was on bail at the time of committing this offence and had other convictions for criminal damage carried out against the same business.
Two victim impact statements were read to the court on behalf of the business owners. They described the “ongoing harassment ” of them and their staff at the hands of O’Reilly.
They outlined the significant damage O’Reilly has caused to their premises and vehicles, including the collapse of a roof.
One of the owners described having sleepless nights and no longer feeling secure at his workplace.
Gda Clarke agreed with Brendan Browne BL, defending, that his client cooperated fully with the investigation and made admissions during interview.
The gda agreed that O’Reilly has chronic addiction issues and that his previous convictions relate to this addiction.
Mr Browne said his client was an affable businessman back in the day and has ended up in a “riches to rags” story.
He said O’Reilly’s addiction has caused him to “lose everything” he had in life. He said his client is very much open to engaging with rehabilitation services. He asked the judge to be as lenient as possible.