Wicklow Men Admit Gun Charges; Fitzgerald, Linked to Case, Died June 2023

Shane Kinsella, 22, from Tynock, Kiltegan, County Wicklow, and Daniel Quinn Burke, who turns 22 tomorrow, from Allendale Lawn, Baltinglass, west Wicklow, pleaded guilty in Naas District Court to possessing a rifle, a semi-automatic pistol, and ammunition on March 2, 2024, at Ponsonby Bridge near Straffan, County Kildare.

Evan Fitzgerald, also arrested on the same date, died from self-inflicted wounds on June 1 last year at Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow; charges against him were withdrawn. Detective Inspector Ken Donnellan of the Garda Organised Crime Unit stated Fitzgerald procured weapons on the dark web in a garda sting operation. The weapons, including a military-grade assault rifle, were rendered safe before €2,700 in cash was proffered. The three were arrested in a car driven by Quinn Burke; Kinsella was the navigator.

Detective Inspector Donnellan confirmed the three had no prior Garda attention and were not subversives. Fitzgerald had a fascination with guns, and his friends became involved out of loyalty, according to their barristers. Kinsella's barrister, Seoirse Ó Dúnlaing SC, requested a non-custodial sentence, and Quinn Burke's counsel, Aisling Murphy BL, said he was remorseful and affected by his friend's death.

Judge Elva Duffy adjourned the case for finalization on May 5 for sentencing.