Gilligan: The Mob Boss Who Changed the Face of Organized Crime

by Paul Williams

A revelatory biography of the notorious Irish criminal John Gilligan, and the eagerly anticipated next true crime blockbuster from award-winning Irish journalist and #1 bestselling author Paul Williams. John Gilligan is one of the most notorious and hated criminal figures in Irish history. His name is indelibly etched in the national psyche a quarter of a century after he crossed the line to organise the execution of the fearless, high-profile journalist Veronica Guerin. Gilligan's motive for the assassination was, in the words of the prosecution at a subsequent murder trial, 'the necessity of having to protect an evil empire'. At the time Gilligan was one of the most powerful and feared godfathers in the country who controlled a colossal drugs empire and the underworld's most dangerous mob. Gilligan tells the story of a young man's rise through the ranks of gangland following his journey from petty thief to public enemy number one. He was part of the generation of young criminals - like the General, the Cahills, the Hutches - who ushered in the phenomenon of organised crime in Ireland and became household names in the process. This close-up look at a criminal mastermind contains new details including a graphic account of the planning of the Guerin murder, drawn from a sealed statement which was never used, and the prison time and criminal activity which have occupied Gilligan since, up to his recent arrest in Spain on drug trafficking charges.

400 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2022

About the author

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Reviews

[Houdi McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this account of Ireland’s first veritable drug Lord in two sittings (would have been a single reading had I not had to cook dinner for my good lady). I was immediately gripped by the story as the central event was the Republic’s President Kennedy moment when Veronica was gunned down and also because of the fact that it was written by Veronica’s only real challenger in the pantheon of crime writers. Paul William’s tells very simply and eloquently, the story of the short lived empire built by the pint size hoodlum and his rise in gangland infamy. As Oscar Wilde coined it-all empires crumble, there are no exceptions’. Perniciousness and perhaps hubris were the main drivers in his demise in tandem with his narcissistic personality. Gripping stuff indeed.

[Robin Petrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book written by a man who also put himself in the forfront of danger. His encylopaedic knowledge of the subject is amazing and hugely adds to the fulfillment that this book
gives the reader. I lived through that time very close to that area and while I knew some of it never realised the extent of the depravity. Nor did I realise the brilliant work and huge dedication given by the Garda (Police). I am in awe of the bravery of everybody concerned. This book will give you 2 things
1. A feeling for the depravity of a small element of society.
2. A big appreciation for the law forces in this country despite the law that very much favours the criminals.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

This book was thoroughly enjoyable, hard to put down, I actually wasn't going to buy it as I thought it would be repeated from the news and a previous book but after reading the sample I was hooked, a lot of work has gone into this book from I think a very talented writer.

[Diane Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

YIKES!
There is a lot of information to wade through here, but if you stick with it, it is a fascinating read. Gilligan is truly an odious little man and I love Mr. Williams comparison to "the short-fingered vulgarian", a.k.a, Donald Trump. "In many ways Gilligan shared most of the less appealing attributes of former US President Donald Trump: he had no respect for the truth and simply could not accept defeat. Gilligan was never wrong."

[gareth cahoon]

Gilligan

Another brilliant book by Paul Williams. Packed with all the information that is required for that brilliant read. I just couldn't put the book down until I finished it. Surely this has to be the end to Gilligan now.

[Goretti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done Paul. Very interesting information on Gilligan and gang. Small correction-which I am sure you already know. Torrevieja and Alicante are on the Costa Blanca.

[David Mincher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read it out of curiosity. What a piece of filth he was.

[ThickMick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good and interesting read.

[Kevin O Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Williams book