Erica McDonagh of Gleann Dara, Rahoon was sentenced in Galway District Court on Wednesday for unlawful possession of €3,020 worth of ecstasy tablets.
She was brought to the Mill Street Garda station on the suspicion of dealing drugs at 1:10 am on 15th February 2016, where 52 tablets of MDMA (ecstasy) were found on her person.
A search of her home – then at Ard Alainn in Ballybane – revealed a further 250 tablets valued at €2500, as well as nearly €500 in cash and €100 in cannabis.
The drugs and cash were seized and McDonagh was charged with unlawful possession for the purpose of sale or supply.
Her solicitor claimed she has since ceased all drug-related activities.
The 23-year-old was born in Boston and was working as a childcare assistant at an after-school programme.
She had planned to return to her family in the US later this year.
McDonagh was fined €200 and sentenced to 4 months imprisonment, suspended for two years on the condition of good behaviour – with an €800 penalty imposed if she fails to comply.
