John Gilligan has walked free from Portlaoise Prison.
Just after half past 9 this morning he was released from Prison.
He walked out carrying a few shirts and a brown paper bag. He was collected at the gates by his solicitor.
The 61 year old was jailed in 2001 after being convicted on drug trafficking charges.
Journalist Kieran Cuddihy was outside Portlaoise Prison:
Considered one of Ireland's most dangerous criminals, John Gilligan was one of the main suspects in the murder of Veronica Guerin.
The journalist was shot dead as she sat in her car on the Naas Road in June 1996.
Gilligan stood trial for her murder but was acquitted by the Special Criminal Court in 2001.
The same court jailed him for 28 years for drugs trafficking.
That sentence was reduced on appeal, and today he is a free man having spent 12 years behind bars.
Last week, the crime boss issued a letter through his solicitors to say he wouldn't be giving any interviews.
Gilligan is being released as Jessbrook, the stud farm in Co Kildare once controlled by him and his wife Geraldine, is on the market, having been seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau.
