Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 6155Murder · Co. Limerick · 9 Nov 2008

John Dundon's appeal against murder conviction to proceed on April 22nd

Shane Geoghegan, a rugby player for Garryowen, was shot dead on November 9th, 2008, near his home at Clonmore, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle, Limerick, in what the State says was a case of mistaken identity. Barry Doyle admitted in Garda interviews that he shot Geoghegan, was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court and jailed for life. John Dundon was convicted at the Special Criminal Court in 2013 of ordering the killing, which the State says was meant for another man, and is serving a life sentence. Dundon later discharged his lawyers, was granted legal aid and a new legal team, and the Court of Appeal has set his appeal against the murder conviction for April 22nd, 2024.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court8 Apr
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Shane Geoghegan was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity.
Where
The shooting happened near Geoghegan's home at Clonmore, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle, Limerick.
When
The killing happened on November 9th, 2008.
Cause
The State's case is that Geoghegan was the unintended victim of a shooting meant for another man, ordered by John Dundon.
Weapon
Geoghegan was shot five times with a Glock semi-automatic pistol, the fatal shot being to the back of the head.
Investigation
Barry Doyle admitted in Garda interviews that he shot Geoghegan in a case of mistaken identity.
In court
  • Key prosecution witness April Collins gave evidence that Dundon ordered Doyle to kill the other man.
  • A jury at the Central Criminal Court found Doyle guilty of murder.
  • The Special Criminal Court and the High Court previously rejected Dundon's bids to have his 2013 murder trial adjourned.
  • Dundon told the Court of Appeal that he discharged his lawyers after finding they could not advance a ground of appeal, and he was granted legal aid for a new legal team.
  • The Court of Appeal set the appeal hearing for April 22nd, and Mr Justice Edwards said the date was peremptory against Dundon with the expectation that the hearing would proceed regardless.
Charges
Doyle pleaded not guilty at trial.
Sentence
Doyle was jailed for life, and Dundon is serving a life sentence after his 2013 conviction at the Special Criminal Court for ordering the hit.
Other details
Geoghegan had just texted his girlfriend to say he was on his way home when she heard shots fired outside.
19 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatShane Geoghegan was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe fatal shot was to the back of the head. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereGeoghegan was murdered in Limerick in November 2008. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe shooting happened near the victim's home at Clonmore, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle, Limerick. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe killing happened on November 9th, 2008. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeThe State's case is that Geoghegan was the unintended victim of a shooting meant for another man, ordered by John Dundon. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponGeoghegan was shot five times with a Glock semi-automatic pistol. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationBarry Doyle admitted in Garda interviews that he shot Geoghegan in a case of mistaken identity. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtKey prosecution witness April Collins gave evidence that Dundon ordered Doyle to kill the other man. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtDoyle pleaded not guilty at trial but was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court and jailed for life. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtDundon was convicted at the Special Criminal Court in 2013 of ordering the hit that killed Geoghegan. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtDundon told the Court of Appeal that he discharged his lawyers after discovering they were unable to advance a ground of appeal. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtDundon was granted free legal aid for his new legal team. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe Court of Appeal said the appeal hearing will go ahead on April 22nd. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMr Justice Edwards said the April 22nd date was peremptory against Dundon and the expectation was that the hearing would proceed regardless. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe Special Criminal Court and the High Court had previously rejected Dundon's bids to have his 2013 murder trial adjourned. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceDundon is serving a life sentence. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherGeoghegan had just texted his girlfriend to say he was on his way home when she heard shots fired outside. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherGeoghegan played rugby for Garryowen in Limerick. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 8 Apr2024
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    John Dundon appeal against conviction for murder to go ahead this month

    Dundon's new legal team came on record, he was granted legal aid, and the Court of Appeal set the hearing of his murder conviction appeal for April 22nd, with the judges requiring grounds and affidavits to be completed in advance.

    victim, Shane Geoghegan, 28, male, irish (judged from name)Shane Geogheganconvicted, John Dundon, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Dundonconvicted, Barry Doyle, male, named, irish (judged from name)Barry Doyle