The Kinahan cartel, one of Ireland’s most feared organised crime groups, has been dealt a severe blow as 10 of its members are now serving life sentences for their roles in multiple feud-related murders. These convictions form part of a wider Garda crackdown on the criminal network, which has been responsible for 18 murders linked to the bloody Kinahan-Hutch feud.

While the Hutch gang was involved in two of those killings, all 10 convicted individuals now behind bars are linked to the Kinahan cartel. In addition to these life sentences, around 60 other men associated with the cartel are also imprisoned for crimes including conspiracy to murder, firearms offences, and facilitating killings.

The Killers Behind Bars: Who Are They?

1. James Quinn – The Only Non-Life Sentence

James Quinn, 41, is the only Kinahan cartel member convicted of murder who is not serving a life sentence. Instead, he was jailed for 22 years in Spain for the 2015 murder of Gary Hutch. Hutch, a former cartel insider turned informant, was assassinated near Estepona, Costa del Sol, after attempting to kill Daniel Kinahan in 2014. Unlike Ireland, Spanish courts impose fixed-term sentences for murder.

2. Eamonn Cumberton – The Executioner

Dublin native Eamonn Cumberton, 36, was sentenced to life for the 2016 assassination of Michael Barr. Barr, a Tyrone native and well-known Republican, was shot dead in Dublin’s Sunset House pub.

3. Christopher Slator – The Hitman

Christopher Slator, 39, was also convicted for his role in Michael Barr’s murder. He was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement.

4. David Hunter – The London Connection

David Hunter, 47, originally from White City, London, was another Kinahan hitman involved in Michael Barr’s execution. He is currently serving a life sentence.

5. Thomas “Nicky” McConnell – The Latest Convict

McConnell, 39, was recently convicted of the 2016 murder of Gareth Hutch. He was sentenced to life by the Special Criminal Court after being found guilty in December 2024.

6. Jonathan Keogh – The INLA Enforcer

INLA-affiliated gangster Jonathan Keogh, 39, is also serving life for Gareth Hutch’s murder. His role in the assassination was pivotal, as he helped plan and execute the attack.

7. Regina Keogh – The First Woman Convicted

Jonathan Keogh’s sister, Regina Keogh, 48, was also found guilty of involvement in Gareth Hutch’s murder. She became one of the few women linked to cartel-related killings to receive a life sentence.

8. Thomas “Tossie” Fox – The Ruthless Operator

Fox, 37, was another assassin behind Gareth Hutch’s execution. His conviction added to the growing list of Kinahan members facing life in prison.

9. Freddie Thompson – The Veteran Gangster

Freddie Thompson, 43, has a long history in Irish gangland crime. He was sentenced to life for the 2016 murder of Daithi “Dotty” Douglas, who was shot at his wife’s shop in Dublin.

10. Lee Canavan – The Educated Criminal

Former business and IT student Lee Canavan, 36, was also sentenced to life for Daithi Douglas’ murder. His background contrasts sharply with his chosen path in organised crime.

The Bigger Picture: 60 Other Kinahan Operatives in Prison

Beyond the 10 life sentences, around 60 other men affiliated with the cartel remain behind bars for a range of serious offences. These include:

• Conspiracy to murder
• Firearms possession
• Drug trafficking
• Facilitating murders

Gardaí have been relentless in their pursuit of Kinahan operatives, dismantling their power structure and preventing further bloodshed.

How Irish Life Sentences Work

Unlike many other countries, life sentences in Ireland do not have a set number of years attached. Instead, prisoners must serve over 20 years before becoming eligible for release. Even then, they are only granted temporary freedom under strict licence conditions, meaning they can be recalled to prison at any time if they reoffend or breach conditions.

A Turning Point in the Kinahan-Hutch Feud?

These convictions mark a major shift in Ireland’s war against organised crime. With key cartel figures locked away, the power dynamics within the underworld are shifting. However, law enforcement officials caution that new figures may attempt to rise through the ranks, meaning the fight is far from over.

Final Thoughts

The Kinahan cartel has long been a dominant force in Irish crime, but the tide appears to be turning. With 10 of its most ruthless enforcers serving life sentences and many more behind bars, law enforcement agencies have struck a major blow against the organisation. Yet, as history has shown, crime syndicates have a way of regenerating, meaning continued vigilance is essential.

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