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. 6708Facilitating murder · Co. Kildare · 21 Dec 2016

Trial of man accused of buying phone credit for Kinahan figure in murder of Noel Kirwan

Michael Crotty, a 40-year-old man, is on trial before the Special Criminal Court, accused of facilitating the murder of Noel Kirwan, a man, in 2016 by buying a mobile phone top-up for Sean McGovern. The phone credit was allegedly bought at a Spar shop in Naas, Co Kildare, on December 21, 2016, and Kirwan was shot dead because cartel members mistakenly thought he was connected to the Hutch organisation. Crotty has pleaded not guilty to a single charge, and Det Supt David Gallagher gave evidence on the Kinahan cartel on January 23, 2024. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Grainne Malone.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court24 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Michael Crotty, a 40-year-old man, is accused of facilitating the murder of Noel Kirwan.
  • Crotty has pleaded not guilty to a single charge.
Where
The phone credit was bought at a Spar shop in Naas, Co Kildare.
When
The phone credit was purchased on December 21, 2016.
Cause
Kirwan was shot dead because cartel members mistakenly thought he was connected to the Hutch organisation.
Charges
  • Crotty is accused of facilitating the murder of Noel Kirwan by buying a mobile phone top-up for Sean McGovern.
  • The prosecution alleges Crotty knew the credit would be used in a serious crime.
Other details
Sean McGovern was injured in the Regency Hotel attack in 2016 and has been named in court as a significant figure in the Kinahan organised crime group.
Investigation
  • Det Supt David Gallagher gave sworn evidence on January 23, 2024 about the command structure and activities of the Kinahan cartel.
  • Gardai have arrested 33 people linked to the Kinahan organisation, according to evidence given in court.
In court
  • The non-jury Special Criminal Court is hearing the case.
  • The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Grainne Malone.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatCrotty pleaded not guilty to a single charge. (dublinlive.ie)
  • whereThe phone credit was bought at a Spar shop in Naas, Co Kildare. (dublinlive.ie)
  • whenThe phone credit was purchased on December 21, 2016. (dublinlive.ie)
  • causeKirwan was shot dead because cartel members mistakenly thought he was connected to the Hutch organisation. (dublinlive.ie)
  • chargeCrotty is accused of facilitating the murder of Noel Kirwan by buying a mobile phone top-up for McGovern. (dublinlive.ie)
  • chargeThe prosecution alleges Crotty knew the credit would be used in a serious crime. (dublinlive.ie)
  • courtThe non-jury Special Criminal Court heard sworn testimony on the Kinahan cartel. (dublinlive.ie)
  • courtThe trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Grainne Malone. (dublinlive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 24 Jan2024
    In courtdublinlive.ie, first report
    Man injured in Regency Hotel attack named as significant Kinahan Cartel figure

    Court report on the trial of Michael Crotty before the Special Criminal Court. Includes the prosecution opening, testimony from Det Supt David Gallagher on the Kinahan cartel, and the accused's not-guilty plea.

    accused, Michael Crotty, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Crottyvictim, Noel Kirwan, male, irish (judged from name)Noel Kirwan