Family of innocent victim speak out as Kinahan gang boss Sean McGovern is jailed for 24 years 

Convicted for directing Kinahan cartel activities, 40-year-old Sean McGovern winked as he calmly walked out of court in Dublin today, flanked by prison officers

Originally from Crumlin, Dublin, Sean McGovern is the first Kinahan figure to have been extradited from the cartel base in Dubai to face justice here in Ireland. File picture: Garda.ie

Sean McGovern winked at family as he calmly walked out of the court, flanked by prison officers.

If he was bothered by a 24-year sentence for directing the activities of the Kinahan organised crime group, he didn’t show it.

The term imposed by the Special Criminal Court related to the murder of Noel Kirwan — a 62-year-old innocent man — and the attempted murder of Hutch gang figure James Gately.

McGovern, from Crumlin, Dublin, is the first Kinahan figure to have been extradited from the cartel base in Dubai to face justice.

Gardaí expect gang leader Daniel Kinahan — who was arrested in the United Arab Emirates city last April — to be sent back to Ireland in July or August.

As McGovern, aged 40, waited to be transported to prison, Mr Kirwan’s son and daughter spoke of their loss outside the Criminal Courts of Justice.

“The Christmas of 2016 we had to stand in a bitterly cold morgue and identify our dad,” said son Kristopher.

While families were at home celebrating, and out buying presents for their children, Sean McGovern was planning the murder of my dad, a 62-year-old innocent man. 

Standing with sister Donna, Kristopher said the conviction of McGovern marked the end of a “long and painful” journey.

“For the past 10 years, we have sat in courtrooms and listened to evidence surrounding the brutal murder of our father,” he said.

“Nothing can ever bring him back, and no verdict can undo the loss and trauma.”

Noel Kirwan's son Kristopher speaking to the media outside the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Monday after Sean McGovern, described as a 'senior lieutenant' in the Kinahan organised crime gang, was sentenced to 24 years in prison. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

He said international co-operation had made it possible for McGovern to “finally face justice”, adding that the case had “made history”.

The senior investigator in the case, Detective Superintendent Dave Gallagher, cited the “campaign of ruthless murder and violence” the Kinahan cartel inflicted on communities.

Det Supt Gallagher said: “There are no untouchables, and law enforcement is committed to the pursuit and prosecution of those who are the leaders, decision makers, and facilitators of organised crime.”

The Kinahan cartel is linked to 16 of the 18 murders in the Kinahan-Hutch feud between 2015 and 2018.

The feud escalated in February 2016 when the Hutch gang attacked the Regency Hotel, killing Kinahan lieutenant David Byrne, injuring McGovern, but failing to kill Daniel Kinahan.

In his sentencing, Mr Justice Patrick McGrath said there was clear evidence that the Kinahan organised crime group was a “particularly large, well organised, sinister, and dangerous organisation”, adding that McGovern had a “relatively senior position” in that gang.

McGovern was originally from Kildare Rd and a close neighbour and friend of David Byrne and his brother, senior cartel figure Liam Byrne.

Presiding over the three-judge court, Mr Justice McGrath noted that McGovern was taken into custody in Dubai in June 2025.

Detective Superintendent Dave Gallagher speaking to the media outside the Special Criminal Court in Dublin after Sean McGovern, described as a 'senior lieutenant' in the Kinahan organised crime gang, was sentenced to 24 years in prison. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

McGovern pleaded guilty earlier this year to the directing charges, the judge also noted.

The judge commended the “excellent and comprehensive” investigation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

The court accepted the evidence of Detective Sergeant Donal Daly, who said McGovern “planned, oversaw, and directed” the murder of Mr Kirwan on December 22, 2016.

Mr Justice McGrath said the court accepted that McGovern received instructions from higher-ups in the organisation in both cases.

Noel Kirwan's children Kristopher and Donna Kirwan speaking to the media outside the Special Criminal Court in Dublin after Sean McGovern, 40, was sentenced to 24 years in prison. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

He gave a sentence of 10 years for the Gately charge and 14 years for Mr Kirwan’s, bringing the total sentence to 24 years, backdated to June 2025.

Gardaí privately welcomed the term.

McGovern, a slight figure, sat composed. His only movement was to lean forward and take a small sip from a bottle of lemonade. Leaving, he casually winked at family in the body of the court.

Taking into account remission, he should be out in 17 years at the age of 57.

Kristopher said: “One day, Sean McGovern will be released and get to spend the rest of his days with his family while we’ll be out here surviving in a world we never wanted to be a part of.”

• Cormac O’Keeffe, Security Correspondent