Man who threatened Simon Harris and family on Instagram is jailed after withdrawing appeal

A man who threatened to kill or cause serious harm to Tánaiste Simon Harris and his family in an Instagram message has been jailed after withdrawing an appeal against the severity of his sentence. Patrick Grealish (50) pleaded guilty last year at Derrynea District Court in Connemara to one charge of making an online threat to kill or cause serious harm to the Fine Gael leader and his family. The message was sent on the social media platform Instagram on August 4th 2024 when the Wicklow TD was Taoiseach. [  Galway man jailed for four months over online threats to kill Simon Harris and harm familyOpens in new window  ] At the sentence hearing in February, 2026, Judge Fiona Lydon imposed an eight-month sentence on Grealish of Garraí An Choirce, Lettermullen, Co Galway. The final four months were suspended. READ MORE The judge said threats of violence against public figures have become more frequent and have a “harrowing impact” on victims and their families. Grealish – who has 70 previous convictions – appeared at the District Court appeals sitting of Galway Circuit Court on Thursday. Barrister Ernie Whyte, instructed by defence solicitor Michael Cunningham, confirmed the defendant was withdrawing his
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