McGovern charged with murder after extradition from UAE
A senior figure in the Kinahan Organised Crime Group, who was extradited to Ireland from the United Arab Emirates, has been charged with murder at a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court.
Sean McGovern, aged 39, and originally from Drimnagh in Dublin, was arrested shortly after 6.30pm yesterday evening after an extradition flight landed at Casement Aerodrome.
The Irish Air Corps Airbus C295 plane was met by detectives investigating the murder of Noel Kirwan, who was shot dead three days before Christmas in 2016 outside his home in west Dublin.
Armed gardaí supported the transport of Mr McGovern and dozens of detectives and uniformed officers attended court 11 for a late sitting of the Special Criminal Court. He was then brought from the cell area into the dock.
The arresting garda, Detective Sergeant Donal O'Daly, said Mr McGovern was arrested at 6.38pm at Casement Aerodrome, where the charges were explained to him.
He was then charged before the three-judge court with five separate charges, including the murder of Christopher Noel Kirwan on 22 December 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 17 October 2015 and 6 April 2017.
He was further charged that between 20 October and 22 December 2016 he had directed activity that led to the murder of Mr Kirwan, as well as with a charge relating to the participation in a criminal organisation contrary to section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Ciara Vibien, a solicitor for the Director of Public Prosecutions, applied to have Mr McGovern tried before the three-judge, non-jury court on five charges, including one charge of murder.
Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, sitting with Her Honour Judge Elma Sheahan and Judge Grainne Malone, agreed to the application.
Before the State's application, Olan Callanan BL, for Mr McGovern, said he has spoken to his client and has seen the charges. Counsel said the defence is reserving its position on the lawfulness of the arrest and the jurisdiction of the court.
Mr McGovern was remanded in custody to appear again before the Special Criminal Court next Thursday - which is anticipated to be a brief hearing via videolink.
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