Sean McGovern has been accused of planning, supervising, and directing the murder of Noel Kirwan, the Special Criminal Court has heard. Kirwan, a 62-year-old grandfather, was shot dead in the driveway of his home in Clondalkin on 22 December 2016.
The court was told that McGovern controlled a tracking device attached to Kirwan’s car and used it to monitor his movements on the day of the killing. Prosecutors said he was also in contact with the two gunmen waiting near Kirwan’s home and was directing their actions as the attack unfolded.
McGovern, 40, has pleaded guilty to two charges of directing the activities of a criminal organisation connected to the Hutch-Kinahan gangland feud, during which he himself was previously shot.
Evidence presented to the court showed McGovern’s fingerprints were found on instructions for the tracker device placed on Kirwan’s car. His DNA was also discovered on the laptop used to operate the tracker. Detectives said he had direct phone contact with the gunmen on the day of the murder.
The court also heard that McGovern contacted a spy shop in Leeds where the tracking device had been purchased. Shortly afterwards, the device began sending location updates to his laptop every 30 seconds instead of every four hours, allowing Kirwan’s movements to be monitored more closely.
Detective Sergeant Donal Daly told the court that McGovern had “planned, overseen and directed” the murder. He said there was no evidence that McGovern had been acting under the orders of another individual.
However, defence barrister Michael Bowman argued that McGovern was not at the top of the criminal structure. He said there were three levels above him within the Kinahan gang’s sub-cell hierarchy and claimed McGovern’s role was limited to surveillance. Bowman said others higher up were responsible for planning the murder and supplying firearms, vehicles, and phones.
The defence also submitted personal references from McGovern’s family. They described him as a gifted footballer in his youth who struggled after the death of his father. He was also described as a devoted father to his two young daughters and in a long-term relationship with their mother.
The court heard that McGovern has behaved well in Portlaoise Prison and is considered an enhanced prisoner with no disciplinary issues. His lawyer said he wished to apologise to all those harmed by his actions.
Counsel also requested extra credit for time served in custody in Dubai, describing conditions there as harsh. The State opposed the application, saying McGovern extended his detention by fighting extradition.
Mr Justice Patrick McGrath will sentence McGovern on 8 June.
