DUBLIN — Sean McGovern, 39, an Irishman extradited from the United Arab Emirates, has been charged with murder and additional offences related to directing the activities of a criminal organisation.
McGovern appeared before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin under heavy security, facing five charges before judges Karen O’Connor, Elma Sheahan, and Grainne Malone.
He is accused of murdering Noel Kirwan, who was shot in Dublin in December 2016 amid the ongoing feud between the Hutch and Kinahan gangs, despite Kirwan having no criminal connections. McGovern faces charges of directing a criminal organisation connected to Kirwan’s murder, and facilitating the gang’s activities in relation to the killing between October and December 2016.
Further charges include directing the activities of a criminal organisation related to monitoring James Gately, and facilitating a conspiracy to murder Gately.
McGovern appeared in court dressed in a grey T-shirt, tracksuit bottoms, and black sliders with white socks, confirming his identity to the judges.
His barrister, Olan Callanan BL, stated they reserved their position on the lawfulness of the arrest and the court’s jurisdiction.
Over 20 Garda officers attended the brief hearing.
McGovern was arrested in the UAE last October following an Interpol red notice. Soon after, Ireland finalised an extradition treaty with the UAE.
He was handed over to Gardaí in Dubai on Wednesday and flown back to Ireland aboard an Irish military plane on Thursday. Upon landing at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, Detective Sergeant Donal Daly formally arrested him at 6:38 p.m.
McGovern has been remanded in custody and is due to appear again via videolink on June 5 at 11 a.m.
