Just over a year after the brutal gangland murder of Jason Hennessy Snr made headlines across Ireland, his widow now finds herself at the center of a legal storm.
Veronica Maher, 54, has appeared in court facing serious charges tied to an ongoing investigation into organized crime in West Dublin.
But what really grabbed attention was the allegation that she unleashed an XL Bully dog on police officers.
This latest chapter adds another twist to a saga already marked by violence, loss, and the murky underworld of gang rivalries.
A Gangland Past and a Violent End
Jason Hennessy Snr, a well-known figure in Dublin’s criminal circles, was gunned down on Christmas Eve in 2023 while dining at Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown.
The 48-year-old, originally from Corduff in west Dublin, was said to be a leading figure in the so-called “Blanchardstown Mob,” a group that reportedly clashed with the rival “Gucci Gang” over territory in the northwest of the city.
His death was as dramatic as his life—after he was shot, one of his alleged attackers was stabbed and beaten to death by restaurant patrons.
At the time, Hennessy was awaiting trial on money laundering charges and was already well known to gardaí.
Accusations Against His Widow
On April 3, in the course of their investigation into this criminal network, gardaí arrested Hennessy’s widow, Veronica Maher.
Just a few days later, she appeared before Blanchardstown District Court facing four separate charges.
One of the more shocking allegations? That she intentionally set a large, restricted-breed XL Bully dog on police officers while they were on patrol outside her home on March 28.
According to reports, the dog chased the officers, leaving them fearing for their safety.
Drugs, Threats, and Suspicious Cash
But that’s not all. Maher is also accused of holding onto a €10 marked note that had been used by undercover officers to purchase illegal drugs from behind her house
. On top of that, she allegedly threatened to kill or seriously harm a Garda officer—Joseph Doherty—during the same March 28 incident.
Further charges include possession of €1,350 in cash on April 3, which authorities suspect came from criminal activity.
Bail Conditions and Court Appearance
Maher didn’t speak during her court appearance. Dressed in a blue blanket and black Ugg slippers, she listened as the judge laid out strict bail conditions.
These include a ban on keeping restricted dog breeds and the requirement that her back door may only be used for emergencies—not for drug transactions.
Her case has been pushed back until July 22.
Charges Spread Across the Family
Maher wasn’t the only one in the dock. Her daughter, 32-year-old Jade Hennessy, and another woman, 26-year-old Kayleigh McEntee, also appeared in court on related charges stemming from the same investigation.
Jade Hennessy stands accused of possessing cocaine for sale or supply, along with holding onto €1,575 in suspected criminal proceeds.
She’s been granted legal aid and must check in at the local Garda station three times a week as part of her bail terms.
Meanwhile, Kayleigh McEntee is facing a charge for possessing nearly €7,000 in alleged crime proceeds. Like Jade, she’s been ordered to report to Blanchardstown Garda Station regularly and was also granted legal aid due to unemployment.
What’s Next?
All three women—Veronica Maher, Jade Hennessy, and Kayleigh McEntee—are set to return to court on July 22, as authorities continue their investigations and await directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The case, with its ties to one of Dublin’s most notorious crime feuds, promises to draw more attention as it unfolds in the months ahead.
