BEST FIENDS

Drug dealer Young already firm friends with garda killer and top Kinahan mob boss

- JOHN HAND

CAGED gang boss Barry Young has befriended a garda killer and dangerous Kinahan associate behind bars, the Irish Mirror can reveal.

Young-jailed for 11 years this week for directing a criminal organisation - is now good pals with capital murderer Aaron Brady and senior cartel gangster Peadar Keating in Portlaoise Prison.

Young is said to have been keeping his head down and out of trouble.

The mobster, who ran one of the biggest drug gangs in Ireland's northwest, was placed under observation in the jail this week.

That came on Monday when he had been returned from Dublin's Special Criminal Court.

Warders have been checking in on the lag in the C Division of the jail every 15 minutes to ensure he is adjusting well.

A source said: "They are just keeping an eye on him for his own welfare.

"He has kept his head down and stayed away from any trouble. The prison officers have no issue with him whatsoever." Another source added: "Young is friendly with Aaron Brady and Peadar Keating in the prison.

"They're two dangerous characters but Young gets on well with them."