A Donegal man has been charged with the theft of 100 animals, understood to be worth a total value of €107,300 from a farm in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath last year.
Barry Carr, with an address at Boeshill, Pettigo appeared before Judge Seamus Hughes at a sitting of Athlone District Court.
Carr was charged with stealing nine cows, nine calves and 53 cattle with a total value of €100,000 from property of Niall Dillon between June 24 and 25, 2015.
He was also charged with stealing four cattle and 25 mountain ewes with a value of €7,300, which were being held at Department of Agriculture property.
Carr was remanded on bail to appear before the court again on September 21 when a book of evidence will be served.
It is believed that this is the biggest cattle theft in the country’s history.