Two teenagers have been sent on trial over the murder of Dublin man Alex Coughlan, who was assaulted after being targeted through the Grindr dating app. The victim passed away three days after the attack in Blanchardstown.

On May 17, 2026, Alex Coughlan (37) suffered serious injuries after being assaulted on Mill Road. He was found unconscious and brought to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown in a critical condition, where he was pronounced dead three days later.

Following the incident, two teenagers, now aged 17, were charged with the murder and robbery of Coughlan. Neither of them has entered a plea.

According to an article by court reporter Tom Tuite, the two teenagers appeared at the Dublin Children’s Court on Monday, September 21, where Judge Shalom Binchy considered whether the youths should face trial before the Central Criminal Court or if the robbery charges were to be dealt with in the Children’s Court.

The court heard the prosecution evidence, defence arguments and State submissions outlining the case. The two youths did not address the court and faced separate hearings, accompanied by one parent each.

Garda Sergeant Paul McMahon outlined the evidence, alleging that on May 17 at 4:15pm, Alex Coughlan met the two defendants at Mill Road, where he was attacked by both accused. The post-mortem examination established that Coughlan died from head injuries and external neck compression.

In addition to assaulting Coughlan, it was alleged that the teenagers stole property, including a gold ring, an AIB bank card, and a Revolut card, which were subsequently used to make purchases minutes after the attack.

According to the sergeant, the two youths acted together for monetary gain, using the cards to purchase vapes and confectionery in local shops. CCTV showed that one of the youths was seen wearing Coughlan’s gold ring.

The sergeant said that around 45 minutes before the assault, Coughlan spoke to one of the accused for nearly eight minutes through WhatsApp. Further CCTV footage showed the two defendants meeting the victim at Mill Road and then moving to a secluded area among bushes, where the attack took place.

According to an examination of one of the youths’ phones, the defendant had been in contact with Coughlan through Grindr the day before the murder. The examination also established that the victim’s phone number was saved in the phone under the contact name “Prey two”.

Sergeant McMahon also alleged that the phone contained two other numbers saved under the contact names “Preyy” and “Prey”. A man associated with the “Preyy” number was interviewed and confirmed that someone had contacted him through Grindr.

The court heard that the two teenagers exchanged this phone number, with one accused telling the other to make videos to send to “Preyy”. Sergeant McMahon alleged that the defendants’ motive was to identify and befriend innocent victims through Grindr in order to lure them and attack them and that it was all premeditated.

After hearing all the evidence, Judge Binchy refused to sever the robbery charges, stating that the cases were inherently linked. The proceedings fall under the juvenile protocol, which requires expediency given that the defendants are still minors. The pair are set to appear before the Central Criminal Court, but a date is yet to be scheduled.

Extending condolences to Coughlan’s family, CEO of Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre Oisin O’Reilly said: “Alex’s death has caused enormous distress across our community. We must respect the trial and allow the courts to establish what happened. But our wider concerns about hate, intimidation, and community safety remain. Government talks constantly about economic resilience. We need the same commitment to keeping our communities safe, and we need action now.”

Outhouse’s statement further reads: “These proceedings have brought renewed attention to concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ people in Ireland. Those concerns extend beyond this individual case and require a sustained response from the State. Outhouse is deeply concerned about the growing normalisation of hate, extremism, and polarisation in Irish society. A small but vocal minority is seeking to undermine the principles of equality, inclusion, and mutual respect upon which our society depends.

“Ireland cannot afford to treat online hate, community intimidation, and violence as separate challenges. They require a coordinated response across Government, regulators, education, youth services, community organisations, and law enforcement.

“Outhouse is calling on the Government to take immediate action in three areas. First, establish a National Action Plan on Hate, Polarisation, and Extremism, with clear ministerial responsibility, measurable commitments, and sustained investment in community safety, prevention, and support for those targeted by hate.

“Second, act on the recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, published in May 2026, on the regulation of online platforms and supports to improve online safety and participation.

“Third, increase investment in youth and community development, including programmes that support young people to recognise misinformation, resist extremist narratives, build positive relationships, and participate in their communities.

“Everyone in Ireland deserves to live free from violence, intimidation, and fear. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes, and communities. The Government must demonstrate that protecting our communities is as important as protecting our economy.”

If you have been affected by this story or are looking to reach out to someone for support, advice, or just to talk, there are numerous services available for LGBTQ+ people, listed below, and many offer instant messaging support.
Samaritans
SpunOut.ie
National LGBT+ Helpline
The Switchboard
Dublin Lesbian Line
Belong To
TENI
Pavee Point
Man2Man
HIV Ireland
Aware
Pieta House
Jigsaw
Mental Health Ireland
Garda Confidential Line