“Organised Crime Attack in West Dublin: Gunman and Drug Dealer Jailed for Gangland Shooting on Noel Boylan”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : **Title: Gunman and Drug Dealer Sentenced for Gangland Attack in West Dublin**

**Introduction**

A notorious gunman and drug dealer has been handed a substantial prison sentence of seven-and-a-half years for his involvement in a gangland attack orchestrated by an organized crime gang in west Dublin over four years ago. Derek Byrne, a 40-year-old resident of Drynam Green in Swords, was originally charged with the attempted murder of Noel Boylan at Mulhudddart’s Blakestown Way. However, he later confessed to purchasing the vehicle used by the assailant on behalf of the gang.

**The Gangland Assault**

On June 1, 2019, at approximately 5:15 pm, Noel Boylan was ambushed near a Lidl supermarket in west Dublin. A man wearing a hood approached him from behind and fired a shot into his back. Injured, Boylan managed to seek refuge inside the store, with the assailant following closely behind. However, his attempt to shoot again was thwarted when the handgun jammed. Surveillance footage captured the assailant’s desperate attempts to fire into the supermarket before he eventually retreated. Boylan was rushed to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown where he thankfully made a full recovery. However, he declined to cooperate with the authorities or provide a statement regarding the incident.

**The Role of Derek Byrne**

The gunman, who was driven away from the scene in a Toyota Avensis, had used a vehicle purchased by Derek Byrne just five days earlier for €900 in cash. The car was later found burned out in Swords. Investigators managed to recover a bullet from the crime scene, which ultimately led to the identification of Byrne as the individual responsible for procuring the vehicle. Notably, Derek Byrne has an extensive criminal record comprising 78 previous convictions, primarily related to road traffic offenses. His repertoire of offenses includes dangerous driving, criminal damage, and possession of drugs for sale or supply.

**Sentencing and Remarks**

Derek Byrne has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison, with the final year suspended, for his role in the gangland attack. Mr. Justice Paul Mc Dermott, presiding over the case, characterized the crime as exceptionally grave and emphasized that Byrne was well-acquainted with criminal activities. This incident occurred merely three months after an organized gang targeted his son, Lee Boylan, on the same road, attempting to take his life. Lee Boylan miraculously survived after being shot three times at close range, thanks to an extraordinary occurrence where his gunshot wounds formed an atypical connection between an artery and a vein, preventing fatal bleeding.

**Conclusion**

The recent sentencing of Derek Byrne for his involvement in a gangland attack in west Dublin serves as a significant victory in the fight against organized crime. With the gunman and drug dealer now behind bars, justice has been partially served for the victims involved. The severity of the crime and Byrne’s extensive criminal history highlight the importance of relentless efforts to combat such criminal elements within society. It is hoped that this case will act as a deterrent and contribute to a safer environment for the residents of Dublin..