Courts / Dublin / Report
McGovern 'swore on baby's life' he would not stop targeting Hutch gang
Summary
Sean McGovern, a senior Kinahan cartel member, swore on his baby's life that he would not stop targeting the Hutch gang following the Regency Hotel attack in 2016. Detective Superintendent David Gallagher testified that McGovern directed the Kinahan gang's activities, including tracking James Mago' Gately, who was believed to be involved in the attack. In text exchanges, McGovern vowed to continue targeting the Hutch gang until all members were gone. McGovern pleaded guilty to directing the Kinahan gang's activities in relation to the murder of Christopher Kirwan and the surveillance of James Gately. Kirwan was an innocent man with no connection to either gang, targeted after being photographed at a Hutch family member's funeral. Gately survived two attempted hits, including one where he was shot five times. McGovern's actions were part of a broader campaign of violence and intimidation against the Hutch gang, highlighting the ongoing conflict between the Kinahan and Hutch criminal organisations.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: McGovern 'swore on baby's life' he would not stop targeting Hutch gang. Charges or matters: directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 20 and December 22, 2016, both dates inclusive both within and outside the State, in relation to the murder of Christopher aka Noel Kirwan. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 20 Other
- December 22, 2016 Other
- October 17, 2015 Incident
- April 6, 2017 Incident
- February 5 2016 Incident
- May 2017 Other
- 2026-04-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 20 and December 22, 2016, both dates inclusive both within and outside the State, in relation to the murder of Christopher aka Noel Kirwan (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Detective Superintendent David Gallagher is giving evidence today at the three-judge Special Criminal Court in the sentence hearing of McGovern, who has pleaded guilty to directing the activities of the Kinahan gang.
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