Female GAA star stole €28k from boss for online shopping

A GAA star has been given a suspended sentence for stealing over €28,000 from a barrister to use for online shopping.

Dinah Loughlin (30) stole the money over a five year period as she was working as a legal secretary for Marguerite Bolger, a senior counsel specialising in employment law.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that during the period Loughlin undertook transcribing work for other barristers.

However she then used Ms Bolger's account to pay a stenography service to complete the work.

Other purchases included online shopping at Asos, River Island and Amazon.

She also spent hundreds of euros on “One for All” gift-cards from an office supply website.

Loughlin also bought CDs, DVDs and an Ipod, as well as using Ms Bolger's account to pay for her motor tax.

Loughlin, who plays inter-county camogie for Westmeath, has since repaid her former employer with money she and her partner were saving for a wedding. She also sold her car.

Loughlin of Kilbeggan, Westmeath pleaded guilty to twenty sample counts of theft at The Law Library, Dublin between 2009 and 2014.

Judge Melanie Greally said Loughlin was “perilously close” to going to jail. She imposed a two year sentence, suspended for two years