Sacked golf academy worker charged with stealing sports equipment

A Westmeath man has appeared before Mullingar District Court charged with the theft of thousands of euros worth of high-end golfing equipment from his former employer and selling them online.

Matthew Maslin (26), with an address at Petitswood Manor, Mullingar, Westmeath, lost his job as a result of a garda investigation launched following a series of alleged thefts from from Mullingar Golf Academy, Cullionbeg, Westmeath between October 2024 and May 2025.

Mr Maslin, of Petitswood Manor, Mullingar, Westmeath was later charged with four counts of theft involving 16 items of high-end golfing apparatus.

Included in the alleged haul were four Taylormade drivers and four Ping fairway woods. Four Titleist Vokey wedges and a quartet of Cobra Dark Speed drivers.

Sgt Sheila Kenny told the District Court sitting that the total amount of the stolen goods was just over €7,000.

The court presenter told Judge Bernadette Owens the prosecution's case was that all of the stolen items were allegedly sold by Mr Maslin online.

The court heard gardaí took a statement of complaint by Mr Maslin’s former employer which ultimately culminated in his dismissal.

“He was interviewed and made full admissions in interviews,” added Sgt Kenny, while stating how those interviews also saw the accused “set out his reasoning” behind the alleged thefts.

Sgt Kenny said a number of items were also returned by the accused, which did not form part of the alleged €7,000 of stock which was later reported missing.

“The charges relate to what (was) sold online,” the sergeant remarked, before noting Mr Maslin’s co-operative approach with gardaí throughout a subsequent investigation that followed.

Judge Bernadette Owens accepted jurisdiction, allowing the case to be heard and tried in the District Court.

Defence solicitor Louis Kiernan applied for an adjournment in order to take a closer look at the State’s evidence against his client and ahead of any plea being entered.

Judge Owens granted that request and remanded Mr Maslin on bail to a sitting of Mullingar District Court on January 14, 2027.