A former cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council has pleaded guilty to two sample charges relating to the theft of just over €172,000 from a Co Meath charity.
Seán McKiernan, with an address at Trinity Bungalow, Virginia Road, Bailieborough in Co Cavan, was charged with 58 counts of theft at various unknown locations within the State.
They relate to thefts in amounts ranging from €500 to €7,500 from Navan Mental Health Housing Association on dates in 2019.
McKiernan, 43, appeared at Trim Circuit Court, where the former Fine Gael councillor pleaded guilty to two sample charges.
The first sample count relates to the theft of €5,230 on 26 March 2019 at an unknown location.
The second involves the theft of €800 from the Meath-based charity on 6 April 2020.
McKiernan was a councillor for the Bailieborough electoral area from 2007 to 2014.
He made history in 2011 when, aged 29, he was elected as the youngest cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council.
He was also a member of the Cavan and Monaghan Education Training Board and served a term as its chair.
McKiernan was also a member of the national executive of Fine Gael for over a decade.
Free legal aid was previously granted to the accused in the form of a solicitor and two barristers.
Judge John Martin remanded him on continuing bail to appear before Trim Circuit Court on 21 October for a sentencing date to be set.
