Six people are jailed in Wayne Whelan murder investigation

SIX people have been jailed for the attempted murder and subsequent murder of Wayne Whelan, a Clondalkin native shot dead in the estate where he lived in Lucan two years ago.

Mr Whelan (42), who was involved in organised crime, knew his life was in danger, prior to his murder on November 18, 2019, at Mount Andrew Rise, a quiet estate just off the N4.

The car in which he was sitting was set on fire with his remains inside.

Christopher Moran (51) and Anthony Casserly (25), both from Rowlagh Park in Clondalkin, are currently on trial for the murder at the Central Criminal Court.

Wayne Whelan survived several attempts on his life, including one in September 2019, when he was shot in the head, arms and body as he was sitting in his car at Griffeen Glen Park in Lucan.

Four men were sentenced for their role in the attempted murder.

Wayne Ryan (41) originally from Limerick got 15 years, Charles McClean (32) of St Mark’s Drive, Clondalkin, got eight years, while Cailean Crawford (25), of Clifden Terrace, Ballyfermot, and Darren Henderson (31), of Cleggan Avenue, Ballyfermot, were both sentenced to seven years with the final two suspended.

“Before he was murdered, there was a serious attempt on his life and four males are serving significant sentences for their involvement in that,” said Sgt Eoin Beatty, Ronanstown Garda Station, at the recent policing meeting.

“They were arrested and then the males who murdered Mr Whelan, who engaged in the planning and murder, have now been jailed aswell. It is expected that they too will get significant sentences.”

Sgt Beatty hailed the garda investigation as a “success” but said it was “unfortunate that the murder wasn’t possible to be prevented”.