File to be prepared for dpp over kilbeggan livestock theft

A man detained on Thursday as part of a Garda investigation into one of the biggest livestock thefts in the history of the State has been released without charge.

Athlone-based Gardai who were investigating the theft of cattle and sheep worth over €100,000 from a farm in Kilbeggan last June carried out the arrest during a planned operation in Donegal on Thursday morning.

The man, who is in his 30s, was held for questioning in Ballyshannon Garda Station before being released without charge late yesterday evening.

A garda spokesperson said investigations are continuing, and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The theft occurred sometime between 9pm on June 24 last and 1.15 pm the following day at the farm of Niall Dillon and his wife Christa, in Cornaher, Kilbeggan.

Some 75 cattle and 25 sheep were taken during the raid worth in excess of €100,000.

The farm is situated close to the N6, Old Dublin Road between Kilbeggan and Tyrrellspass.