Kinahan cartel believed 'Mago' Gately was involved in Regency attack, court hears

David Duffy, aged 34 from Convoy in County Donegal, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to knowledge of a criminal organisation and participation in activities connected with the murder conspiracy against James Gately between December 2016 and April 2017. The case was heard at the Special Criminal Court on 21 June 2021. Detective Garda Tony Kennedy provided evidence that the Kinahan cartel believed Gately was involved in the fatal shooting of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin in February 2016. This mistaken belief, the court heard, motivated the conspiracy to kill Gately. Duffy supported the plot through logistical assistance, including arranging vehicle movements and purchasing tracking devices under instruction from others involved in the scheme. The court learned that an Estonian national, Imre Arakas, was brought to Ireland to carry out the murder but was arrested before the attack could proceed. A subsequent attempt by another assailant left Gately seriously wounded but alive. Duffy's role in these events was to facilitate the movement of vehicles and acquire surveillance equipment for those directing the operation. Duffy's defence counsel drew the court's attention to his early guilty plea, highlighting underlying substance abuse difficulties and rehabilitation work undertaken whilst in custody. These mitigating factors were put forward for the three-judge panel's consideration ahead of sentencing. The Special Criminal Court adjourned sentencing until 30 July 2021 to allow time for further reports and consideration of the case. The case underscores the violence connected to organised crime feuds in Ireland and the collateral involvement of individuals drawn into criminal conspiracies through logistical support roles.