Overview
- McGovern admitted directing a criminal organisation in connection with the murder of Christopher (Noel) Kirwan between October 20 and December 22, 2016.
- He also pleaded guilty to directing the gang’s surveillance of Hutch member James Gately between October 17, 2015 and April 6, 2017 in preparation for an indictable offence.
- Prosecutors told the court the pleas are acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecutions on a full facts basis, and McGovern was remanded in custody pending sentencing.
- A sentencing hearing is set for April 27, when victim impact evidence is due to be heard, and the judge requested a Governor’s report from Portlaoise Prison.
- McGovern has been identified in court as a senior Kinahan figure and the first person extradited from the UAE to Ireland, with Kirwan’s killing previously described as part of the Hutch–Kinahan feud.