Veronica Guerin’s Killer Brian Meehan Granted Repeated Day Releases as Parole Review Progresses

Wicklow, Ireland — Brian Meehan, the only person convicted in connection with the brutal 1996 murder of investigative journalist Veronica Guerin, has been granted multiple temporary day releases in recent months, prison sources have confirmed.

The 58-year-old, currently serving a life sentence at Shelton Abbey Open Prison in County Wicklow, has reportedly been allowed out on day release between seven to eight times under the supervision of the newly established Independent Parole Board. The move is said to be part of a phased reintegration process aimed at preparing Meehan for eventual release into civilian life.

On each approved day release, Meehan is believed to spend time with family and friends and is required to return to the open prison facility by 7:00 p.m. Sources indicate he is actively exploring job opportunities in the gardening and horticultural sector.

Meehan was convicted in July 1999 and sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in Guerin’s assassination. He was identified as the driver of the motorbike used in the murder, carrying the shooter, Patrick “Dutchy” Holland, who fatally shot Guerin six times at close range while she waited at a traffic light on the Naas dual carriageway in June 1996. The killing, ordered by crime boss John Gilligan, shocked the nation and led to sweeping changes in Ireland’s criminal justice and anti-gang legislation.

Despite Meehan’s conviction, neither Gilligan nor Holland were found guilty in connection with the murder. Holland later died in a UK prison while serving time for unrelated offences.

Although the Independent Parole Board has not yet issued a final release date for Meehan, insiders suggest a full release could come as early as Christmas, based on the increasing frequency of his day releases.

The development has reignited pain and frustration within the Guerin family, who remain opposed to Meehan’s gradual return to public life. While they have continued to petition both the Government and the Parole Board, the family is reportedly resigned to the fact that current legislation prevents political intervention in parole decisions made by the independent body.

A Government source acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation: “The last thing we want is Brian Meehan free and back on the streets, but there is very little that can be done. He has served 25 years, and the Independent Parole Board has full authority to determine his future. The decision is entirely out of the Government’s hands.”

As part of his parole conditions, Meehan has been expressly prohibited from contacting John Gilligan or any other known criminals. Within Shelton Abbey, he is reported to spend most of his time maintaining a low profile and occasionally playing golf on the facility’s small on-site course.