Ex-football manager gets 13.5 years for 'high level role' in €2.7m heroin operation

A former football manager and League of Ireland player has been sentenced to 13.5 years' imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following conviction on three drugs offences. Andrew Noonan, aged 45, of Redhills Park, Ellistown, County Kildare, was found guilty of possession, sale and supply of heroin valued at €2.769 million at Rosemount Business Park, Dublin 11, on 5 August 2020. He was also convicted of possessing a phone with an encrypted application. The court heard that gardaí believed Noonan held a supervisory role in the operation at a "high" level. Judge Elma Sheahan noted his position as manager of a soccer team placed him in a position of trust and influence. His co-accused, Keith Quinn, received an eight-year sentence with 18 months suspended and has since been released. Noonan maintains his innocence and denies involvement in the drug enterprise.