Gang Boss Brian Rattigan has applied for an appeal against his conviction of murder, more than 12 years ago.
He made his appeal in front of 3 judges - one of whom is now seriously ill.
Rattigan of Cooley Road, Drimnagh is now serving a life sentence for the fatal stabbing of Declan Gavin in August outside an Abrakebabra takeaway in Dublin 2001.
He lost an appeal against the conviction last year but he says that his case raises important points of law of public importance that should be determined by the court.
His lawyers claim the judge in his trial overstepped the line by making unfair and unbalanced remarks while summing up the case to the jury.
Mr Rattigan's appeal also addresses a 2006 change to the law which allowed 2 garda statements to be admitted in evidence from witnesses who were unco-operative at the trial.
This application was made late last year but one of the judges hearing the matter, Mr Justice Michael Hanna fell ill before a decision had been made.
Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell acknowledged the inconvenience but said that was dwarfed by concerns for his wellbeing.
