Gilligan to be released from prison today

Organised crime boss John Gilligan is to be released from prison this morning.

Organised crime boss John Gilligan will be released from prison this morning.

Extra army personnel has arrived at Portloaise prison this morning ahead of the release.

The 61-year-old was jailed in 2001 after being convicted on drug trafficking charges.

Considered one of Ireland's most dangerous criminals, John Gilligan was one of the main suspects in the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin.

Gilligan stood trial for her murder, but was acquitted by the Special Criminal Court in 2001.