Supreme Court won't hear challenge to extradition over 1979 IRA murder allegation

The Supreme Court has refused to grant leave to appeal an extradition order against a 67-year-old man from Arva, County Cavan, who faces charges in Northern Ireland relating to a fatal shooting in 1979. James Donegan is wanted to stand trial for the murder of Joseph James Porter, a part-time Ulster Defence Regiment member, who died from gunshot wounds at Mountnorris in County Armagh between 22 and 25 June 1979. Mr Porter's body was discovered near his farm entrance on 24 June 1979. Mr Donegan is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, and membership of a proscribed organisation. The High Court had previously ordered Mr Donegan's extradition in January 2025, following his arrest at Dublin Airport in June 2024. A subsequent stay was granted to permit an appeal to the Supreme Court. In his appeal submissions, Mr Donegan's legal representatives contended that the extradition warrant did not contain sufficient specification regarding his alleged degree of involvement in the offences. They argued the documentation lacked the necessary particularity required under extradition law. The Supreme Court determined that the case did not raise any issue of general public importance that would meet the threshold for granting leave to appeal. The court characterised the complaint as a matter concerning warrant specification rather than a substantive legal question about whether the alleged conduct corresponds to the definition of murder under Irish law. With the Supreme Court's refusal to hear the appeal, the extradition order stands. Mr Donegan maintained his innocence when arrested and has consistently denied involvement in the offence.