By Emma McMenamy
Shot crimelord risks his life to go to funeral of ‘close relative’
Notorious gang boss John Gilligan walked free from prison after 17 years behind bars
Mobster John Gilligan could return to Ireland this week following the death of a close relative.
The former drug baron, 62, fled the country earlier this year after narrowly escaping being shot dead.
It is believed the pint-sized thug, who was released from high security Portlaoise Prison last October, will return to Dublin to pay his final respects to Bernard Gilligan – believed to be his brother – who passed away on Saturday.
The criminal, once a suspect in the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin, has not set foot on Irish soil since going into hiding in the UK after the failed assassin-ation attempt at another brother’s house in Clondalkin on February 28.
It is understood he has been warned he is a “dead man walking” and will be killed on his return.
A source last night said the criminal will try to sneak back quietly into the country to pay his respects.
The source added: “Gilligan hasn’t been home to Ireland since he left earlier this year. He is still not 100% after the shooting and has had medical care in the UK.
“He has been moving between safe houses in London, Birmingham and Manchester.
“It is likely he will return for the funeral, which will take place later this week. He’s a big family man and no doubt will have been devastated by the news.”
The source added: “He will be taking a huge risk in returning.”
Friends and family of the deceased man took to Facebook on Saturday to offer their condolences. One relative posted: “RIP uncle Bernard heaven gained a true gentleman. Heartbroken.”
Gilligan was freed from Portlaoise on October 15 last year after serving more than 17 years of a 20-year sentence.
The gangster achieved infamy in the 1990s while running a massive international drug-dealing operation.
But it fell apart after the 1996 murder of journalist Veronica Guerin. Gilligan was cleared of her murder but served 17 years behind bars for drug dealing.
The fallen crime boss fled Ireland in March just 24 hours after his “minder” and close associate, Stephen ‘Dougie’ Moran, was shot dead.
At the time sources said the murder of the 46-year-old sidekick was a warning to Gilligan that his days were numbered.
Since the assassination attempt Gilligan has undergone extensive rehabilitation and fitness training to recover his ability to walk without assistance.