Three Hennessy family women face court in Dublin as prosecutors charge organised crime and drug distribution case in Blanchardstown west Dublin

A serious criminal case unfolding in west Dublin has drawn in several members of the extended family of murdered man Jason “Jay” Hennessy Sr, with three women now facing allegations linked to organised crime and drug distribution.

The accused—Jade Hennessy (33), Kayleigh McEntee (34), and Kirsty Travers (29)—were brought before Blanchardstown District Court and remanded in custody as the case continues to develop.

Charges tied to alleged organised crime activity

The court heard that the three women are accused of offences under section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which deals with assisting or enhancing the activities of a criminal organisation.

Between March 12 and May 1 last year, it is alleged they helped facilitate the distribution of controlled drugs in the Dublin 15 area and contributed to the functioning of an organised crime group.

When the charge was put to Jade Hennessy, she reportedly responded: “I was not caught with drugs.” The other two accused did not reply when formally charged.

Links to wider family and ongoing prosecutions

The proceedings are part of a broader and complex set of cases involving members of the Hennessy family network.

McEntee is understood to be the partner of Jason Hennessy Jr, while Travers is the wife of Devon Hennessy.

All three women already had separate drug and money laundering charges before the court, meaning this latest development adds another layer to an already expanding legal situation.

Their solicitor, Simon Fleming, told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the case proceed on indictment, meaning it will be heard at a higher court level, although the exact venue has yet to be confirmed.

Bail complications and custody decision

Because the charges fall under organised crime legislation, the accused were required to apply for bail in the High Court.

As a result, they were automatically remanded in custody following Tuesday’s hearing.

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They are due back in court on Friday, where further procedural updates are expected as prosecutors continue preparing the book of evidence needed to advance the case toward trial.

Background of violence and wider family scrutiny

The wider Hennessy family has already been under intense scrutiny.

Jason “Jay” Hennessy Sr was fatally shot at Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve 2023 during a gathering, an incident that shocked the local community and escalated ongoing tensions linked to organised crime investigations.

Separately, Veronica Maher, Hennessy’s widow, is also before the courts facing multiple charges, including allegedly threatening to kill and using an XL Bully dog in a way that endangered Gardaí during an incident at her home.

She is also accused of possessing proceeds of crime.

In her case, prosecutors have asked for more time to complete the book of evidence, with her next appearance scheduled for June 16.

Conditions of her bail reportedly include restrictions on keeping certain dog breeds and limitations on how parts of her property can be used, reflecting concerns raised in court about alleged intimidation and safety risks to officers.

Impact and Consequences

This case has wide-reaching implications beyond the courtroom:

• Legal escalation: Multiple family members are now facing coordinated prosecution linked to organised crime allegations
• Community tension: The case is tied to a high-profile murder, keeping public attention on west Dublin criminal activity
• Garda resources: Long-running investigations and multiple defendants place sustained pressure on policing and prosecution systems
• Bail restrictions: Strict conditions reflect heightened concerns around safety and potential interference or intimidation
• Organised crime focus: Authorities continue to target alleged networks rather than isolated incidents

What’s next?

The immediate next step is a return to Blanchardstown court later this week for procedural updates on the three women’s case.

Meanwhile, prosecutors must finalise the book of evidence before deciding the exact trial venue and scheduling.

Once completed, the case is expected to move to a higher court for full trial proceedings.

Separately, Veronica Maher’s case will continue its pre-trial phase in June, where evidence preparation will again be reviewed.

Given the overlap of multiple defendants and linked allegations, further developments are expected to unfold gradually rather than in a single decisive hearing.

Summary

Three women connected to the Hennessy family have been remanded in custody over allegations of assisting organised crime and drug distribution in west Dublin.

The case forms part of a wider series of prosecutions involving the same family network, already linked to drug, money laundering, and violent crime allegations.

With multiple trials still in preparation, the legal process is set to continue for months.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Three women linked to the Hennessy family are in custody over organised crime allegations
• They are accused of facilitating drug distribution in Dublin 15
• All three already faced separate drug and money laundering charges
• The case falls under section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006
• They were remanded in custody due to High Court bail requirements
• The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment
• Jason Hennessy Sr was killed in a 2023 shooting in Blanchardstown
• Additional related cases involving family members are still before the courts
• Prosecutors are still preparing books of evidence for trial progression
• The case continues with another court appearance scheduled this week