One of the most senior figures in the Kinahan Organised Crime Group has pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to directing a criminal gang in relation to the murder of one man and the surveillance of another.
Sean McGovern was arraigned on the two charges this morning and replied "guilty" to both.
He admitted to directing the activities of a criminal organisation between 20 October 2016 and 20 December 2016 in connection with the murder of Noel Kirwan, who was shot dead at his home in Clondalkin just before Christmas 2016.
McGovern also pleaded guilty to directing the activities of a criminal organisation between 17 October 2015 and 6 April 2017 in relation to the surveillance of rival Hutch gang member James Gately in preparation for a serious offence.
Gately was shot a number of times and survived several attempts on his life.
McGovern was previously named in the Special Criminal Court as one of the leaders of the Kinahan Organised Crime Group and is Daniel Kinahan's right hand man.
He was the first person to be extradited to Ireland from the United Arab Emirates to face trial.
He was remanded in custody for sentencing next month.
In a statement, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said: "Congratulations to An Garda Síochána particularly the Garda Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau who have diligently pursued this important prosecution over many years.
"My gratitude to authorities in the United Arab Emirates,their cooperation was vital to ensuring justice could be done."
