Issue Date: 08/06/2026
Statement of Detective Superintendent Dave Gallagher of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) given at the Special Criminal Court today, Monday 8th June 2026 -
"The sentencing today of Sean McGovern is significant in holding to account a key person who was engaged in directing the activities of a violent criminal organisation engaged in a campaign of ruthless murder and violence which impacted so negatively on our communities and Ireland’s national reputation. I wish to pay tribute to the Kirwan family whose innocent father, Noel, was brutally murdered, for no other reason except to portray power in the criminal underworld, by Sean McGovern, working with and directing others, who believed they were untouchable.
This conviction is the result of An Garda Síochàna's determination to prioritise and relentlessly pursue those that engaged in violent and threats to life. I would like to acknowledge the professional and diligent work carried out by the investigators, and the support provided by our international partners, particularly those colleagues in the United Arab Emirates, as we all work in unison in our efforts to disrupt and dismantle national priority criminal organisations.
Let the conviction and sentence of Mr McGovern today be a lesson to those who glorify organised crime and promote it as a way of life. There are no untouchables, and law enforcement is committed to the pursuit and prosecution of those who are the leaders, the decision makers and the facilitators.
Our investigations are continuing, and I appeal to anybody with information on these crimes, please contact us in confidence on the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or at any Garda Station”
