The Garda Commissioner says the conviction of John Dundon for the murder of Shane Geoghegan shows the State's capacity to deal with the most serious criminal cases.

In a statement, Martin Callinan says the thoughts and prayers of the gardaí are with the Geoghegan family and he congratulated all members of the force whose work led to Dundon's conviction.

He also stated that it clearly shows "the determination of the Garda Siochana to pursue fully, individuals or groups involved in this type of serious crime and this verdict today in the Special Criminal Court endorses the capacity of the state to deal with the most serious and difficult criminal cases".

The 31-year-old has been jailed for life for ordering the killing that led to the Garryowen rugby player being shot 5 times in a case of mistaken identity in November 2008.

His solicitor John Devane explained why his client listened to music on headphones throughout today's proceedings.

 Mr. Devane also said his client still maintains his innocence.

The Geoghegan family did not give victim impact evidence after the Special Criminal Court handed down its verdict. Prosecution counsel Tom O'Connell told the non-jury court they believe the facts speak for themselves.

The judges have accepted the evidence of 3 key prosecution witnesses including April Collins, who said she was at the meeting in John Dundon's house when he ordering the killing.

The gunman Barry Doyle is already serving life for the murder.

Fianna Fail TD for Limerick city Willie O'Dea says it is a safer place now.

While the editor of the Limerick Leader newspaper - Alan English - says justice has been done.

Pictured above: Prison van believed to be carrying John Dundon leaves Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin