Dylan Gilligan sentenced for firearm offence

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Dylan Gilligan was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to six and a half years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions. He was convicted following a trial of carrying a firearm with intent to commit assault causing harm to Scott Purdue at Shancastle Park, Clondalkin, on December 17th, 2019. The sentencing was reported on May 2nd, 2025.

Judge Ronan Munro told Gilligan he would have a choice when released and said it would be better if he left criminality behind. The judge cited Gilligan’s youth at the time and lack of a significant background of offending, while noting the need for deterrence and the risks involved in firearm offending.

Prosecuting counsel Shaun Smith said the case was circumstantial and included evidence of Gilligan’s movements, a change of clothing and gunshot residue on his hands and face. Swabs taken after his arrest tested positive for gunshot residue, and a forensic examiner told the trial the results strongly supported the proposition that Gilligan had recently discharged a firearm.

Gilligan maintains he was not involved and denies wrongdoing; his defence counsel said he respected the jury process. There was no direct trial evidence that he was the shooter, and the firearm was not recovered. The judge directed that Gilligan receive any medical or rehabilitative treatment he requires while in custody.