Conor O'Brien (29), of Kilpatrick, Ardee, Co Louth, was jailed last week for 11 years with the final year suspended after he pleaded guilty to importing guns and ammunition.

Conor O’Brien initially downplayed his role in the offences but then accepted that the items found were his.

“I didn’t confront Darren, I didn’t lay a finger on him, I was there to support,” Conor O’Brien (24) told gardaí, outlining his actions on the night 30-year-old Darren Quigley received a fatal stab wound to the leg.

Two weeks ago at the Special Criminal Court, the leader of the gang was jailed for 12 years after he was caught “red-handed” in a garda raid, during which parts for six weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were seized.