'Was it really worth it, Sean?': How Kinahan cartel lieutenant McGovern was brought to justice

The pursuit of Sean McGovern — a key figure in the Kinahan cartel — spanned countries. Utilising technology as part of a years-long investigation, his landmark extradition and conviction stemmed from a feud-driven killing that shocked the country
Sean McGovern: Shot and injured during the Regency Hotel attack on February 6, 2016.

Sean McGovern: Shot and injured during the Regency Hotel attack on February 6, 2016.

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026 - 11:21
Alison O’Riordan and Eoin Reynolds

Senior Kinahan cartel member Sean McGovern, who directed the gang in the murder of an innocent grandfather and the attempted murder of a second man, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison.

The family of Noel Kirwan on Monday said that international co-operation had made it possible for those involved in his murder to be brought back to Ireland to "finally face justice" and that the case had "in its own way made history".

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'Was it really worth it, Sean?': How Kinahan cartel lieutenant McGovern was brought to justice

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