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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Sean McGovern tells court ‘I'm happy with that' after lawyers withdraw from murder charge case amid new legal team plan
LAWYERS acting for Sean McGovern have withdrawn from his case as the Kinahan cartel man told a court: "I'm happy with that." McGovern was before the Special Criminal Advertisement 3 McGovern appeared in court via video link today Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin 3 McGovern was extradited to Ireland, landing at Baldonnell above at the end of May Credit: GARY ASHE commissioned by The Sun Dublin An application was granted which will see a new legal team challenge his "procurement" to Ireland. The 39-year-old accused was extradited from The court heard from barrister Olan Callanan BL who said both he and solicitor Michael Staines were seeking to withdraw from the case. He told the court that McGovern will be "otherwise represented", adding it would not "cause concern" for the accused who was fully aware of the matter. Advertisement READ MORE ON IRISH NEWS Mr Callanan added that it arose because McGovern "is in custody", but did not explain any further. McGovern was asked if he understood to which he put his thumbs up. However the three sitting judges wanted his microphone to be turned on and to hear from him. McGovern stood up and walked towards the monitor and appeared to turn on the microphone. Advertisement Most read in Irish News He politely said: "Can you hear me now? No problem." The CASE ADJOURNED UNTIL JULY Ms Justice Karen O'Connor granted the application, as Keith Spencer BL said Wayne Kenny solicitors were coming on record. Mr Spencer told the court that the new legal team planned to bring an application. Advertisement He added: "Whether it be in this forum or another, in respect of the procurement of Mr McGovern to this jurisdiction." The barrister explained they will give advance notice to the prosecution of any such application being made. Mr Spencer applied for extra senior and junior counsel, explaining it was an "extensive case" involving a "number of separate matters." Ms Justice O'Connor replied saying it "may be premature", adding that the legal aid position was not clear. Advertisement The case was adjourned to a date in July for mention. As Ms Justice O'Connor thanked McGovern over the video link, he replied: "Thank you." McGovern is charged with the murder of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan at St Ronan's Drive in Clondalkin, Dublin, on December 22, 2016. MCGOVERN CHARGES He was shot outside his home after he returned home from Christmas shopping. Advertisement McGovern also faces a charge that between October 20 and December 22, 2016 he directed the activities of a criminal organisation to carry out Mr Kirwan's murder. And he is accused of facilitating a criminal organisation to murder the 62-year-old grandfather. McGovern is further charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation to monitor James 'Mago' Gately's activities. And he is accused of facilitating a criminal organisation in the conspiracy to murder Gately. Both offences allegedly occurred between October 17, 2015 and April 6, 2017. Advertisement 3 McGovern has been charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan in 2016 Credit: Collect
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Monster who killed our sister & fostered baby could come for all of us – we know chilling reason he'll never change
THE heartbroken sister of the woman murdered by evil double killer Frank McCann warned tonight: 'He will come for all of us.' Advertisement 4 Esther and her foster daughter Jessica were murdered by monster Frank McCann 4 McCann is serving a life sentence for the double murder Credit: Kenneth O'Halloran - The Sun Dublin It will be the SEVENTH time the We can also reveal that His decision to apply for parole comes after the Parole Board ruled last December that he 'still poses a threat to society'. Advertisement Marian told us: 'I have a genuine and legitimate fear that he will come for our 'He will always be a danger to our family and society in general and that will never change. 'We have been notified the parole process has already begun. He has never shown any remorse for the horrific 'We will be making submissions as to why we believe he should be kept in 'He is intrinsically evil and someone like him will never change.' Advertisement Our exclusive pictures in 2019 show the monster, dressed casually in shorts, in the sunshine mowing the lawn outside Arbour Hill Prison in Ahead of his appearance before the parole board, McCann's older brother Bernard, 71, also told of his fears the killer would target him. 'HE WILL NEVER CHANGE' Bernard added: 'I have also no doubt that he would come for me too because I testified against him. He will never change. 'I am genuinely worried about him tracking me down and I believe there is a 10km exclusion zone near my home that he can't go near. 'He has already been looking at my LinkedIn page and why would he be doing that? Advertisement 'He is a sick b and I will be before the parole board to tell them what I think.' SICKO'S SECRET The former He masterminded the double murder as part of his efforts to conceal his secret that he had fathered a child with a 17-year-old girl who had special needs. The child was born just three months after his marriage to Esther on May 22, 1987. McCann feared his past would be exposed when background checks were undertaken as part of his formal attempts with Esther — who knew nothing about his secret — to adopt Jessica. Advertisement Marian also believes McCann should spend the rest of his life in prison, adding: 'If someone in the 4 McCann is making another attempt to secure freedom Credit: Kenneth O'Halloran - The Sun Dublin 4 Marian Leonard said the monster getting a parole bid would be terrifying
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘Marina mafia' – Seaside town being terrorised by vicious seagulls as victims say ‘they don't care if they hurt you'
DERANGED gulls are holding a quaint seaside town hostage, stalking locals and tourists alike like winged pickpockets - and they aren't afraid to attack. Visitors hoping for a scenic seaside stroll are finding themselves being ambushed by feathered fiends with ice cream flying and chips snatched mid-air. 7 Vicious seagulls have been terrorising the people of Howth this summer Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 7 The pesky birds are robbing food and attacking unexpecting visitors Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 7 Tourists have shared their horror stories about 'the mafia of the marina' Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 7 And businesses in the seaside town said they have had enough Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin Restaurant owners, locals and visitors in Howth have all shared horror stories of being robbed blind by what has been referred to as 'the mafia of the marina'. And residents say they have stopped eating outdoors because it's just too risky. Frank Nolan, who's lived in Howth for over 40 years, said: 'They're waiting in the sky and they're watching. They've no fear anymore. 'They go for the kids too, I seen a gull just yank an ice cream from this one girl's mouth. "The kid was traumatised. I'm sure she won't even look at the birds now.' And it's not just Danielle from the nearby Pier House Restaurant said: 'We had people getting attacked by them before. Especially the customers who sit outside, sometimes you can't avoid it. 'We feel terrible and have warned customers in the past. A lot of the time they come in to say they've had their food stolen. 'But there's not much we can do, they are such a nuisance.' A frightened mum says she is being terrorised by a rowdy seagull nesting outside her front door - which the council refuse to remove And a Leo Burdock's worker also said the winged thieves harass customers all summer long. He said: 'We are very used to them but it's more the tourists and customers who we feel bad for - it happens all the time, these massive seagulls coming in and taking all of their food. 'A few days ago, some lads were messing about and dropped a chip onto the floor and next thing you know a whole gang of seagulls came. 'Only recently a seagull took all of this American tourist's food. I felt so bad, she was a very kind lady, when she came in again I gave her free chips. 'I think something should be done about it, not for us but for the customers and tourists.' 'I WAS IN SHOCK' A similar sentiment was shared down the road at the ice cream parlour Little Moo, where worker and local Erin O'Flaherty said she's even been victimised herself. She said: 'They come in to the shop all of the time, we've had people only got ice creams and they're attacked straight away. 'I've seen it myself, I remember a while ago I was eating an ice cream and a seagull went for it - I was in shock. "If you're ever walking around and you have anything in your hand, they will go straight for it.' He said: 'It's my first time here and I've already been attacked. 'We were just walking back to the car with fish and chips, and I swear to God one came down and hit me in the head. 'For a second I thought I had been bitten, they are huge and vicious and they don't care if they hurt you." American Quinn Pierce said he witnessed with his own eyes how vicious the birds can be. He said: 'They're everywhere, if you get food they will attack you for it. 'I can see why people avoid eating outside, you might not get to eat anything - I've seen people today just get up and leave because of them.' IRISH LAW And unfortunately for most, there really isn't much anyone can do about the pesky birds as they are protected under Irish It is illegal to kill, injure, capture or disturb any wild bird or to interfere with its nest or eggs. This includes touching or handling seagulls, removing nests or attempting to move chicks - even if the birds are simply on your Any such actions without a licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service can also result in prosecution, with penalties including fines of up to €5,000. Back in the village, shop workers at the Gem Howth all agreed that they are a major problem. One worker said: 'They're an absolute nuisance, we see them come into the shop and annoy customers 'They're always out there picking at our bins but you can't get rid of them.' They go for the kids too, I seen a gull just yank an ice cream from this one girl's mouth. Local Frank Nolan And it seems that it is an issue that has plagued the seaside village for years. And visitor Eileen Daly says she remembers hearing horrifying stories as a She said: 'A long time ago when I was young there was stories going around that one of them snatched a baby. 'I'm sure it wasn't true but they are very large birds. Now personally I would be afraid to leave anything around them - my nerves would be gone.' 'STOP FEEDING THE GULLS' But not everyone is against the seagulls. Lee French, from the UK, said he thinks people are just overreacting and they should stop feeding them. He said: 'They're just scavengers doing what they've always done. 'If people stopped leaving food everywhere and feeding them chips all of the time, maybe the gulls wouldn't be so bold.' And Karen Sheridan, from Howth's Tourism Office, said feeding the birds is only making the matter worse. She said: 'When I'm sitting here in the summer and I hear screams, it's usually a group of girls, and I know what's going on. 'I see them running down the road and seagulls following them for their food. 'It's really dangerous. I've had lots of people come in over the years - stolen ice creams, and I've heard even mobile phones getting robbed too. "The only thing I can say is to not feed the seagulls - it can't be good for them anyway eating chips all of the time.' 7 Locals have stopped eating outdoors all together Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 7 The birds are even attacking children Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 7 Tourism bosses have asked visitors not to feed the birds Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
I was only 7 when I found out on YouTube hitman shot my innocent dad in our Dublin home – we lived in fear for years
ROBERT Delany's terrified daughter discovered what happened to her father on the internet when she was just a young child. Katie was only one-year-old when her 6 Robert with his two girls before the shooting 6 Katie was only one-year-old when her dad was gunned down Credit: Gary Ashe-Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 6 Hitman Daniel Gaynor was paid €10,000 to kill Robert Credit: Collins She has only ever known him in a She said: 'I had found out when I was seven or eight through a 'It was frustrating to know. I think I took it more out on my mam than anything because I felt lied to.' Katie, now 18, understands why it was kept from her. There can rarely be a right time to deliver news like that to a child. Read more on Robert Delany Listen to This Is Robert on In the final episode of the This Is Robert podcast, Bob's sister Sinead and his two daughters discuss the impact of his loss on their lives. Sinead said: 'After it happened, it was a very scary time because that sort of violent crime had never crossed our paths. So when it happened, we were extremely nervous.' Speaking to her nieces, she added: 'You were extremely nervous, even in the house, going to bed at night. And I suppose it was just, are they going to come for us? And I know in hindsight now, that obviously wasn't the case. But at the time, we were all very, very nervous. 'A motorbike drove past when I got out of the car one night coming home. And I was like, oh my God. Most read in The Irish Sun 'And just for that split second, I was like are they after us now? Do they know where we live? Because we weren't used to that kind of… 'I just remember, you know, we'd visit, because he was in Tallaght Hospital for such a long time. Robert Delany's parents discuss shock of hearing their son had been shot 'So you'd have to park, and this probably sounds silly now, but you'd have to park in the multi-storey car park. You'd leave at night on your own and go to the car park. So getting from the hospital into your car, it was just… petrifying.' Robert's daughters Megan and Katie added: 'Holding your breath, like.' 'STILL BE QUITE NERVOUS' Megan, who 'I used to walk home from school and I'd always be looking over my shoulder and just watching. I think it's just how your personality is now. You're just a nervous person.' Robert's parents say the Terry and Noeleen Delany have decided that releasing pictures of the father-of-two who has been brain dead for 17 years would give the brute who ordered him shot some sick satisfaction. SICK SATISFACTION His mum Noeleen said: 'I don't want them to know what they've done to Robert. I really don't.' And Terry explained: 'The thing about it is, the b*****ds that have done this might also take some perverse pleasure. 'I think they're that sick-minded, that they probably would. You wouldn't be surprised — what would kill us is if they produced that in a pub some night and started laughing. And they're quite capable of that, that's how evil they are.' Robert was gunned down in 2008 on the orders of a psychotic dissident republican who was embarrassed when the innocent postman broke up a pub fight involving his son. BRUTE DISOWNED He paid hitman Daniel Gaynor €10,000 to kill him, and while the trigger man failed to do that, he did leave Robert in a state of living death from which he will only emerge when he draws his last breath. The brute was disowned by the republican movement, condemned publicly by the likes of In episode 3 of the But watching him lie in his care home bed is always a reminder of what he's missing. 6 Robert parents Terry and Noeleen with his daughters Megan and Katie Credit: Gary Ashe-Commissioned by The Sun Dublin Sinead said: 'It's hard for us and it's hard to watch. He has no quality of life and he's, you know, he's just left there. 'I don't know if people are confused or they think you're going up and you're going to sit and have a chat with him. 'You know and he's going to have a chat back and you go for a cup of tea. And it's just not like that. We don't know if he hears us. We don't know. We don't know anything. We just hope that he does. 'But it's just very hard to look at him like that.' She added: 'It's a tough one because you can be selfish and just want him here like that because you can still go and see him. 'I had found out when I was seven or eight through a YouTube video. Everyone was talking about what happened. And it was on, I think it was the news. And I had clicked on it by accident and watched it. And I kind of just got upset and was really angry." Katie Delany 'But he doesn't have a quality of life and I think it's very cruel the way he's left. At the time when it happened, you know, it was just please, please, please, please, please keep him here. 'And I don't think we would have cared back then how he was going to be left. But we just wanted him here. But so many years later now, it's kind of, it's so cruel on him.' Robert's partner Mags, who eventually had to leave him with his family's blessing, still visits her teenage sweetheart. Katie said: 'Yeah, she's okay. She'll still come up and visit with me. She'll take me up every now and then. She still loves going down and seeing him as much as anything. Like, as any of us do.' FAMILY'S NEW ADDITION As does Harry, the grandson born last year Robert has never really met. Megan said: 'I would say he would have idolised Harry from what we're told. You wouldn't have got a minute with him.' THIS IS ROBERT - A BRAND NEW TRUE CRIME PODCAST ROBERT Delany was 27 when in 2008 he was The innocent dad's 'crime' was to break up a pub fight involving the wrong man. Shot in front of his young daughter in their Dublin home, Bob suffered catastrophic brain damage. For 17 years he has been neither living nor dead. But his family is This is Robert is an Irish Sun podcast narrated by Damien Lane, brought to you by the producers of the Kinahans and the Stardust Tragedy. This is his story. Listen to This Is Robert from Thursday May 29 on Finding the right time to tell him what happened his grandad is very important to the family. Sinead added. 'It's tough. I'm sure if we don't tell him, he'll find out, like what happened with Katie.' This Is Robert episodes 1,2 and 3 are available now on Spotify, Apple and wherever you get your podcasts. 6 Robert with Megan when she was just six 6 Robert has been left in vegetative state after the shooting
The Irish Sun
07-06-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Lucky Irish Lotto punter bags huge six-figure sum but narrowly misses out on €6m jackpot as winning numbers revealed
A LUCKY Irish Lotto punter is celebrating tonight after a huge six-figure win - but the eye-watering €6.5m jackpot has gone unclaimed again. In total, over 97,000 players won Advertisement And one player is sure to be celebrating tonight, after winning a whopping €259,089. The huge jackpot in the main The numbers in tonight's draw were: 5, 7, 22, 23, 36 and 47. The bonus number drawn was 19. Advertisement READ MORE IN MONEY One player managed to match five numbers along with the bonus, winning a handsome €259,089. There was no winner of the top prize in the Lotto Plus 1 draw either, which sits at €1,000,000. The numbers drawn in this draw were: 5, 6, 16, 25, 28 and 36. The bonus number was 31. Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN And the top prize of €250,000 in the Lotto Plus 2 draw also went unclaimed tonight. Penneys 'Lotto Lovelies' collect huge cheque at National Lottery HQ The numbers pulled in this draw were: 3, 8, 14, 30, 34 and 35. The bonus number was 6. And the winning raffle number tonight was 7500. Advertisement There were 86 winners of the Raffle Prize, with each receiving €500. Elsewhere, players in one county are being urged to check their tickets as a Bosses at are appealing to players in Dublin to check their Daily Million Plus tickets. One player managed to bag a huge prize of €500,000 in the Daily Million Plus draw held at 2pm on Friday, March 28. Advertisement The winning ticket is held by someone in the Stillorgan area of South DEADLINE APPROACHING The winning Quick Pick ticket was bought at The winning Daily Million Plus numbers from that draw were: 17, 22, 23, 25, 30, 37. The bonus number pulled was 32. Advertisement All winners have 90 days to claim their prize from the date of the draw. This means that the Dublin winner has until the close of business on Thursday, June 26 - only three weeks away. 1 The jackpot went unclaimed again Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin Advertisement
