Daniel Kinahan, 49, due in court in person next week after legal representation confirmed in 2-minute videolink hearing

ALLEGED crime boss Daniel Kinahan was ordered to appear in person at the Special Criminal Court next week as a Belfast legal firm is set to come on record to represent him.

The 49-year-old, charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation, was before the non-jury court today by video link from Portlaoise Prison.

At the outset at 2.25pm, the Dubliner confirmed his identity and that he could hear the court, before thanking the judges at the end.

The proceedings heard that he first appeared in August and was remanded in custody on that occasion.

Darragh Mackin, of Phoenix Law in Belfast, is to come on record for the accused.

However a barrister speaking on his behalf said Mr Mackin was “very apologetic” and could not make the hearing due to “unexpected professional difficulties” that arose this morning.

It was requested that Kinahan be produced in person next Monday in court for Mr Mackin to formally apply to come on record as his solicitor.

Kinahan was aware of the position and the court was told he is happy with it.

Presiding judge Ms Justice Caroline Biggs remanded Kinahan in custody to appear in person next Monday.

Kinahan said: “Thank you, your honour, thank you.”

The court, number 11 in the Criminal Courts of Justice, was packed and members of the public were turned away from entering.

A long-time pal of Kinahan, one-eyed former criminal Marvin Herbert, was one of those who could not access the room due it being at capacity and was left sitting outside.

Although not heard by the court, Mr Mackin was part of the legal team at Laganside Courts in Belfast today challenging the decision to allow an Orange parade along the Garvaghy Road in Portadown.

A huge security operation will see Kinahan brought to court next Monday in a bullet and bomb-proof van, which the Irish Prison Service purchased from authorities in Northern Ireland.

It is likely to travel in convoy with armed Garda units, while a ring of steel will be put around the Criminal Courts of Justice.

Kinahan is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 18, 2015 and April 6, 2017.

He became the first Irishman to be extradited from the UAE under a treaty signed in May 2025.

Kinahan was flown back on board a Government jet on August 9, and has been in Portlaoise Prison ever since.

At the previous hearing, Det Sgt Colin Davidson of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau gave evidence of arresting Kinahan at 6.49pm at Casement Aerodrome.

He told Kinahan it was on foot of the warrant issued by the Special Criminal Court on March 25.

The Det Sgt later charged Kinahan in the court precincts, and Kinahan replied that he understood the charge. 

The presiding judge that evening told Kinahan that if he wished to make a bail application it could only be made to the High Court.

Kinahan said: “I think we know I won’t be getting bail – but thank you so much for explaining that.”