THE sister of a man who was murdered during the Kinahan and Hutch feud has praised former Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll for his efforts to smash the Kinahan cartel.
Noeleen Barr – whose brother Michael, 35, was shot dead by Kinahan hitmen Eamon Cumberton, 37, Christopher Slator, 39, and David Hunter, 46, on April 25, 2016 – told how her family would “always be grateful” to the senior Garda.
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She paid tribute after the dad-of-three, 64, who had 41 years policing experience before his retirement in 2022, passed away in Dublin last Friday.
The Co Tyrone woman also praised his strategy to forge relationships with law enforcement agencies across the globe as part of the overall mission to dismantle Daniel Kinahan’s narco terror gang.
She said: “We have nothing but admiration for Mr O’Driscoll and everything that he did in pursuit of this criminal gang.
“It’s so, so sad that he won’t be here to see those who ordered the murder of my brother being brought before a court.
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“You only have to look at the number of convictions that his teams oversaw to see how much of an important role he played in these investigations.
“There hasn’t been a killing since 2018 and that’s because all of them are locked up and this is down to people like him and others.
“We will always be grateful to him because he has worked so hard to bring these people to justice.”
Noeleen added: “It’s very sad that he has passed away but I don’t think his efforts in tackling this criminal group will ever be forgotten.
“I think all of the families affected by this feud would thank him for everything that he did.
“I hope that his work is finally completed someday and those individuals at the top of this organisation are brought before a court to face justice.
“We certainly won’t forget Mr O’Driscoll for the pivotal role he played to bring these people to justice.”
Ahead of Mr O’Driscoll’s funeral this week, we also spoke to a former Garda liaison officer who was based in Washington at the time sanctions were issued against the Kinahan leaders in April 2022.
They told us: “When Homeland Security wanted to know about the Kinahan group in 2018 they were told by Europol to speak to John O’Driscoll.
“They spoke to John because they knew he had the leadership, the commitment and experience to coordinate efforts against the trans-national crime gang.
“When we had meetings in the US, it was clear to see that they held John in such high regard because he was a man who had walked the walk in his career – they couldn’t do enough for us.
“They were also impressed with John’s team, investigators like Seamus Boland, Dave Gallagher and Noel Browne.
LEGACY
“Part of his legacy will be the role he played in cementing relationships with law enforcement agencies in the US which ultimately led to the sanctions.
“John was the ultimate professional and worked to the highest of standards. May he rest in peace.”
And Assistant Commissioner Michael O’Sullivan also paid tribute to his former colleague.
Mr O’Sulivan said: “John O’Driscoll was the garda’s garda – one of our most skilled and experienced investigators.
‘GREAT CREDIBILITY’
“I knew John for about 38 years and his ability, drive and determination carried him throughout his career.
“He had great credibility throughout the force and he went from street cop to Assistant Commissioner because of his ability.
“He enjoyed success at all levels but it was never about him – it was all about his team.
“John was well respected across all sectors of society and our thoughts and prayers will be with his family at this sad time.”
TRIBUTES
And Mr O’Sullivan also paid tribute to his former colleague for his efforts to target the Kinahan cartel.
He added: “John and his teams were working in very challenging times and it was important for the Garda organization to have someone like him who had such strong leadership skills and operational experience.
“He had a great team of investigators around them and this is proven with all the success that they had in targeting the Kinahan gang.
“It’s also important to remember that John’s leadership skills also helped save lives.
“He was the right man who was in the right place at the height of the Kinahan and Hutch feud.
“John stayed the course throughout his career and his expertise in co-ordinating investigations was very important.”
Following his death, Mr O’Driscoll was also praised by Taoiseach Simon Harris, Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.
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