Courts / Dublin / Report

Sean McGovern served with second book of evidence

Date
2025-10-07

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Sean McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates last May to face charges of murder and directing a criminal organisation, has been served with a second book of evidence at the Special Criminal Court. McGovern (39), with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22, 2016 at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin. He was served with a book of evidence in relation to this charge earlier this year. Dominic McGinn SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, stated that a second book of evidence was now ready to be served, covering further offences with which McGovern is charged, including directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the same murder between October 20, 2016 and December 22, 2016. He is also charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the surveillance of James Gately in preparation for the commission of an indictable offence between October 17, 2015 and April 6, 2017. Another charge alleges that between October 20 and December 22, 2016 he contributed to or participated in activity intending or being reckless as to whether such activity would facilitate a criminal organisation in the murder of Mr Kirwan. He faces a similar charge of facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder James Gately. Seán Guerin SC, for McGovern, raised an issue with disclosure relating to the lawfulness of McGovern's extradition which has been 'outstanding for a while'. He said the prosecution has now indicated that this would be ready by Friday. Mr McGinn requested that the matter be put back for two weeks. Mr Guerin asked that his client appear by video link on that occasion. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor set a further hearing date of Friday, October 17 and directed that McGovern appear by video link on that date.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sean McGovern served with second book of evidence. Charges or matters: murder and directing a criminal organisation, has been served with a second book of evidence at the Special Criminal Court; the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22, 2016 at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin. Procedural stage: trial

When:

December 22, 2016 Incident
October 20, 2016 Incident
October 17, 2015 Incident
April 6, 2017 Incident
October 20 Incident
Friday, October 17 Hearing Or Sentence
2025-10-07 Publication

Case subjects

Sean McGovern

Accused

Charges: murder and directing a criminal organisation, has been served with a second book of evidence at the Special Criminal Court; the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22, 2016 at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Mr McGinn requested that the matter be put back for two weeks.