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Kinahan gang lieutenant faces sentencing for murder plot
Sean McGovern, a suspected senior figure in the Kinahan organised crime group, will be sentenced on 8 June in Dublin's Special Criminal Court after pleading guilty to directing criminal activities linked to a murder and a planned attack on a rival gang member.
Family submits testimonials to court
Several letters from McGovern's family were presented to the court during sentencing hearings last week, according to defence senior counsel Michael Bowman. The testimonials portray McGovern in a personal light, separate from his alleged criminal activities.
His mother described him as a "committed father" who had been active in underage soccer and had experienced the loss of his own father. The father of McGovern's partner, a grandfather to his two children, called him a "caring and generous father."
"He always presented as a caring and generous father,"
Father of McGovern's partner
McGovern's partner detailed their relationship history and the "turmoil" they had endured. His uncle wrote about the "choices and decisions" McGovern had made, arguing they did not define him entirely. He expressed hope for McGovern's rehabilitation and reintegration into the community as a father, partner, and son.
Victims and crimes outlined in court
The family of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, the victim in the murder case, were identified as the primary victims. The court heard that McGovern had planned, overseen, and directed Kirwan's killing.
Prosecutors presented evidence linking McGovern to the crimes, including his fingerprints on a bag of Cadbury's Buttons, a laptop, and a tracker instruction document found in a Kinahan cartel "safe house." He was also accused of passing tracking information from a device placed on Kirwan's car.
Defence highlights prison conditions and remorse
Bowman urged the court to consider the time McGovern spent in a Dubai prison before his extradition to Ireland. He described conditions in the Dubai facility as "more onerous and difficult" than those in Irish prisons, arguing this should factor into the sentencing.
A report from the governor of Portlaoise Prison, where McGovern is currently held, noted no behavioural issues and stated he was engaging with prison services. The court also heard that McGovern wished to apologise for his actions.
Next steps
McGovern remains in custody at Portlaoise Prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, 8 June.
