Mick Clifford: Fatal aftermath of Garda sting raises grave questions about policing failure

The Evan Fitzgerald case raises troubling questions about Garda tactics, accountability, vulnerable young people, and institutional transparency

Evan Fitzgerald was described as a 'vulnerable young man' who was obsessed with guns. Picture: Family handout/An Garda Síochána/PA

Last Tuesday, two young men pleaded guilty to possession of a rifle, a semi-automatic pistol, and ammunition. These are serious charges. Possession of illegal firearms in this country is most often associated with organised crime.

Shane Kinsella, from Tynock, Kiltergan, and Daniel Quinn Burke, of Allendale Lawn, both in Wicklow, know nothing of organised crime, unless they have consumed it on Netflix. At Naas Circuit Court, the pair, who are both 22, each received three-year prison sentences, fully suspended for five years.