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. 6715Murder (accused of facilitating) · Co. Dublin · 22 Dec 2016

Special Criminal Court hears pathologist evidence in trial over Noel Kirwan killing

Christopher 'Noel' Kirwan was shot six times just after 5pm on 22 December 2016 while sitting in his car outside his home in Dublin. The prosecution alleges that Michael Crotty, 40, bought mobile phone credit at a Spar shop in Naas, Co Kildare, on 21 December 2016 for Sean McGovern, who is not before the courts, and Crotty is charged with facilitating the murder. Crotty has pleaded not guilty to the single charge, which covers the period from 20 October to 22 December 2016. The Special Criminal Court trial opened on 22 January 2024, when State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan told the three-judge court that multiple gunshot injuries caused Mr Kirwan's death.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court22 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Christopher 'Noel' Kirwan was shot six times and died from multiple gunshot injuries.
Where
Mr Kirwan was shot outside his home in Dublin while sitting in his car.
When
The shooting happened just after 5pm on 22 December 2016.
Cause
  • The pathologist cited multiple gunshot injuries as the cause of death, with no contributory factors.
  • The prosecution says the shooting followed the Regency Hotel attack and Mr Kirwan may have been mistakenly thought to be connected to those responsible.
Other details
Toxicology tests on Mr Kirwan were negative for drugs and alcohol.
Investigation
The prosecution intends to call evidence that a tracking device attached to Mr Kirwan's car monitored his movements.
Charges
  • Michael Crotty, 40, is accused of facilitating Mr Kirwan's murder by topping up a mobile phone for Sean McGovern, who is not before the courts.
  • The prosecution alleges Mr Crotty bought mobile phone credit at a Spar shop in Naas, Co Kildare, on 21 December 2016 for Mr McGovern.
  • Mr Crotty denies helping to facilitate the murder between 20 October and 22 December 2016 and has pleaded not guilty to the single charge.
In court
  • The Special Criminal Court trial, heard by three judges without a jury, opened on 22 January 2024.
  • State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan told the court that Mr Kirwan was hit by eight injuries from six gunshots, including fatal damage to his aorta and left lung.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMr Kirwan was shot six times and died from multiple gunshot injuries. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenMr Kirwan was shot dead as he sat in his car outside his Dublin home just after 5pm on December 22nd, 2016. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeThe pathologist cited multiple gunshot injuries as the cause of death, with no contributory factors. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeThe prosecution says the shooting followed the Regency Hotel attack, and Mr Kirwan may have been mistakenly thought to be connected to those responsible. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe prosecution intends to call evidence that Mr Kirwan's movements were monitored by a tracking device attached to his car. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeMichael Crotty is accused of facilitating Mr Kirwan's murder by topping up a mobile phone for Sean McGovern, who is not before the courts. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe prosecution alleges Mr Crotty bought mobile phone credit at a Spar shop in Naas, Co Kildare, on December 21st, 2016, for Mr McGovern. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeMr Crotty has pleaded not guilty to the single charge. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeMr Crotty denies helping to facilitate the murder of Mr Kirwan between October 20th and December 22nd, 2016. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherToxicology tests on Mr Kirwan were negative for drugs or alcohol. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 22 Jan2024
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Innocent man with no involvement in crime shot six times, court hears

    Covers the start of the Special Criminal Court trial of Michael Crotty, including pathologist evidence on the gunshot injuries and the prosecution's account of the mobile phone top-up and a tracking device on Mr Kirwan's car.

    victim, Christopher 'Noel' Kirwan, male, irish (judged from name)Christopher 'Noel' Kirwanaccused, Michael Crotty, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Crotty