Youth charged in Coleman murder investigation

Gardai have arrested and charged a 15 year old male this morning in relation to the murder of a man in Carew Park last year.

Pat “Happy” Coleman (seen right) died in the early hours of September 3rd 2007. The Kildare father of two was slashed in the neck at the hands of a teenager who used a broken bottle in what was described as a ‘sustained attack’.

Gardaí at the time believed the 33 year old who was working as a scaffolder, was assaulted as he returned to his home in Carew Park in which he had moved to, from Kildare, in 2006.

One month following the death, Gardai arrested six teenagers in relation to the murder however they were all released without charge.

The youth who was arrested and charged this morning is due before a Limerick court later today.

Photo: Cheebah

Limerick men among four arrested in subversive activity probe

Two Limerick men have been arrested by Gardai in Clare in relation to ‘subversive activity’.

The men were arrested along with two other men from Armagh and Monaghan at a checkpoint in Kilrush. They were arrested on suspicion of being members of an unlawful organisation.

They are being held at Kilrush Garda station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.

"Limerick Uncovered" - YouTube Video

"Two University of Limerick students Matthew Organ and Daniel Murphy decide to do a video project on the causes of racism and discrimination in Limerick today, In their quest to seek the truth they uncover some interesting characters who paint a very different picture on the subject rather than the one found in the mainstream press. Their technique is very candid and very fair and helps to shine a light in the dark corners of that beautiful city."

Jerry Flannery makes a cameo appearance in the spoof. A Very well edited and put together video.

Three arrested in crime operation

Three people have been arrested by Gardai in Limerick as part of a continuing operation into crime in the South East.

Roxboro Gardai arrested a 17 year old male youth and a man and a woman both aged 23 at a houses in Rosbrien this morning in relation to burglaries and car thefts in the Limerick/ Tipperary area.

The youth is being held at Cahir Garda station while the man and woman are being held in Nenagh.

Five injured in city road crash

Five people were injured in a road accident in Limerick Tuesday evening.

The accident which happened around 10pm, involved two cars at Bengal terrace. Its believed the two car collision occurred when one motorist stopped suddenly to avoid a cyclist.

The Limerick Leader reports that the five injured were taken to the Mid-western Regional hospital however their injuries are not life threatening.

Limerick welcomes home rugby heroes

Limerick city is set to welcome the Munster team home today with a victory parade through the city.

Thousands of people are expected to line the city streets again today and welcome home the rugby heroes as they parade the Heineken Cup in an open top bus.

The festivities for the team begin at 2.30pm today at city hall where there will be a Mayoral reception for the team. Following that at around 3.30pm, the team will tour the city starting at Athlunkard Street towards King John castle, across to Clancy’s Strand up and back across Sarsfield Bridge and back up O Connell Street where a stage is set up for an event at around 4.15pm.


Meanwhile local radio reports that hundreds of Munster fans who are trying to return home in time for the party are delayed at a Welsh ferry port because their ferry is having trouble docking due to high winds. They fear they may miss the festivities.

Munster Win – President McAleese praises the team

As messages of congratulations begin to pour in for the European Champions, President Mary McAleese was one of the first to praise the victors saying,

"Congratulations and well done to a great Munster team, who showed such courage and determination in achieving this memorable win.

All of us will join with the dedicated Munster fans in celebrating this outstanding victory."

Picture: RTENews.ie

Munster Win - Video from the city streets

The following YouTube video was taken after the final whistle, shows the massive crowd on O Connell Street cheering as they watched the Munster team lift the Heineken Cup at the Millennium Stadium.

The streets of Limerick erupted..

Munster secure their 2nd Heineken cup

Munster have secured their second Heineken title with a 16 points to 13 win over Toulouse in Cardiff.

Denis Leamy scored the side’s only try of the game with Ronan O'Gara kicking a total of 11 points stemming from three penalties and a conversion.

It was a gripping and nail biting clash with the teams drawing 13-13.At this point Toulouse gave away a vital penalty.

Heymans' enterprise opened up the Munster defense again but Elissalde wasted
the chance with a poor cross-kick and the Irishmen responded well.

Then Pelous was penalised under his own posts for not rolling away in the tackle and after referee Owens had dished out a stern last warning, O'Gara fired over the simple kick.

It was the winning kick. Rui Tipoki embarked on one powerful run but otherwise
Munster closed down the game in expert fashion to be crowned champions of
Europe.
Via Belfast Telegraph

Limerick big screen photos

Photos from the big screen event in Limerick City today where thousands watched the red army taking the title home.

All photos credit of The NewsWire, Limerick.








Victory Parade on Sunday

A victory parade will be held tomorrow as Limerick welcomes home the European champions starting at 4pm from Merchants Quay.

More details will be published on this Blog later.

Jersey mother is “breathing unaided”

A Limerick mother whose child was killed in a house fire in Jersey on Wednesday has been taken off of her ventilator and “is breathing unaided”, a Police spokesperson has said.

Jersey Police told the media today that the 34 year old mother remains in critical but stable condition in a Jersey hospital following a house fire in which her 3-year-old daughter was killed.

The woman originally from Whitethorn Drive, in Cahirdavin has been living in Jersey for the past 8 years. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical defect in an upstairs area of the house.

Heineken Cup Final: 1 day to go

The team is named

With the Heineken cup final taking place tomorrow, Munster coach Declan Kidney has named his starting fifteen, revealing it’s the exact same starting fifteen that faced Saracens in the semi final.

The team is as follows:

D Hurley; D Howlett, L Mafi, R Tipoki, I Dowling; R O'Gara, T O'Leary; M Horan, J Flannery, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell (capt), A Quinlan, D Wallace, D Leamy.

Replacements: F Sheahan, T Buckley, M O'Driscoll, D Ryan, P Stringer, P Warwick, K Earls

Traffic disruptions for Big Screen.

There will be a number of road closures in place for the big screen event in the city tomorrow.

O’Connell Street will be closed to traffic between the junctions of Mallow Street and Roches Street from 9am in the morning.

Upper and Lower Glentworth Street and Upper Cecil Street will be closed to traffic from 9am also. Lower Cecil Street will be closed to traffic from 1.30pm on Saturday. Traffic will be able to come up O’Connell Street from the Sarsfield Street junction to the Roches Street junction.

William Street and Roches Street will be open.

Two arrested as assortment of weaponry is seized by Gardai

Two separate arms seizures in Limerick this week saw a variety of weaponry taken off the city streets.

A sniper rifle, homemade firearm, ammunition, a cleaver and a crossbow were recovered by Gardai at two separate houses on Wednesday night.

Two young men are due before Limerick District Court in connection with the seizures later today. One of the accused, a 17 year old first appeared before the court yesterday evening.

Garda Graeme O’Connor told Limerick District Court gardai responded to a call to a domestic disturbance at a house in the city late on Wednesday night and while there they discovered a loaded homemade firearm and quantity of ammunition, a crossbow and a cleaver and the 17 year old was arrested.Objecting to bail, Garda O’Connor said the accused is involved in an ongoing feud and had himself told gardai he `has scores to settle`. The Garda said they also feared for the youth’s safety if released.
Via Live95Fm

In the second incident Gardai arrested a teenager on Wednesday after they discovered a rifle at a house in Moyross. He is due to appear before Limerick District court today.

Cocaine dealer jailed for three years

A Castleconnel man has been jailed for three years at Limerick circuit court after he admitted to having cocaine worth €3,840 which was found at his house last year.

Mark Quinlivan of Patricks Villas, Castleconnel who is a known drugs supplier was apparently owed more than €40,000 when he was arrested by Gardai last year on suspicion of drug dealing.

The court was told yesterday how gardai recovered drugs paraphernalia along with electronic weighing scales, self sealing bags, two mobile phones and two notebooks containing a list of names and amounts of money.

Judge Carroll Moran was told how the accused with 14 previous convictions admitted all responsibility for the seized drugs.

With the defendant’s guilty plea taken into account Judge Moran sentenced the man to three years and stated that if the defendant had contested the charges he could have received up to seven years in prison.

Limerick woman’s child dies in Jersey fire

A native Limerick woman is in critical condition in a Jersey hospital following a house fire in which her young daughter was killed.

The 33 year old mother who had been living in Jersey for eight years remains in a coma as a result of the fire which happened yesterday morning.

Firefighters found the mother and daughter unconscious in their home at Mont Cochon near the capital St Helier's shortly after 4am yesterday when the alarm was raised.
Via RTE News

The little girl was due to be flown to a Southampton Hospital for specialist treatment immediately following her rescue from the fire but she died in a Jersey Hospital at 10.30 pm last night.

The woman’s parents have flown out form Limerick to be by her side.

Heineken Cup Final: 3 days to go

Friday to be “Munster red day”
Limerick will be a sea of red this Friday as the city gears up for the rugby Heineken cup final this weekend.

Institutions ranging from schools to businesses are being encouraged to decorate everything and anything in red in a show of support to the boys in red who as it turns out will be donning their away blue jersey in Saturdays match against Toulouse at the Millennium Stadium.

"Red day was an outstanding success in 2006 and the team players said the feel good factor in Limerick in advance of the game gave them an extra boost to take the title against Biarritz.

Ian Buckley, chairman of the Munster rugby supporters club says this year, there’s a special incentive for schools to get involved as two 500 euro prize for a secondary and primary school in Limerick will awarded for best turned out school."
Live 95FM

The Big Screen Scramble
Meanwhile organisers were thrown into a panic over the weekend at the news that one of the big screens that was destined to show the game to the people of Limerick was put out of action by “soccer hooligans” after they pelted the screen with bottles when it broke down while showing the Glasgow rangers vs. zenit St Petersburg football match last Wednesday night.

Organisers of the Limerick event told the Limerick Leader this evening,
"We had to make alternate arrangements but thankfully we were able to find a screen that is the same size but is actually of a higher quality"

Squad announced
The Munster boss Declan Kidney has announced the 26 man squad for this weekend's clash with Toulouse at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. They are,

Backs : Stringer, O'Leary, O'Gara, Warwick, Dowling, Howlett, Tipoki, Lewis, Mafi, Earls, Hurley, Payne.

Forwards: Horan, Pucciariello, Hayes, Buckley, Sheahan, Flannery, O'Connell (capt), O'Callaghan, O'Driscoll, Ryan, Wallace, Quinlan, Leamy, Foley.
Via Scrum.com

Jury sworn in for manslaughter trial

The jury has been sworn in for the trial of a polish man accused of the manslaughter of another man last year.

27 year old Waldemar Mateja is accused of the manslaughter of Dariusz Wiskowski on the 9th of April 2007 at a house party at a house in Castletroy.

The prosecution today outlined its case against the accused saying Mr. Mateja caused Mr. Wiskowski to fall down the stairs at 19 Hawthorns in Briarfield resulting in his death.

The jury of four men and eight were told by the presiding judge today that the case could last until the end of next week.

The accused is charged with unlawful killing.

Limericks criminal feud: Truce agreed?

National and local newspapers are reporting that two Limerick criminal families have tentitivel aggreedd a truce.

Reports say the feuding McCarthy-Dundon and Keane-Collopy gangs have formally agreed to a provisional truce in the years long bitter and deadly warfare which has gripped the streets and housing estates of the city.

The agreement was reached just before the weekend through two intermediaries who acted as go-betweens for the two gangs.

It is the first time in eight years of bloodshed that the city's gangs have agreed to cease attacks on each other.

The arrangement has followed a series of covert meetings and successive phone calls to senior members of both the gangs who are locked up behind bars.

Both Christy Keane and Wayne Dundon, who are serving lengthy sentences, were involved in formalising the agreement between the feuding factions.

A well-informed source said: "Word is out amongst those involved on the streets and they have been directed not to do anything that will provoke or antagonise the other side." The pact is only days old and it remains to be seen if it will hold.

It is understood that the quarrelling factions agreed to a break in hostilities as they are both coming under intensive pressure from the Criminal Assets Bureau and gardai investigating ongoing criminality in Limerick in recent months. Previous attempts to bring an end to the bloodshed failed, however, because of the logistics of the criminals involved in the feud.

With senior members of both the McCarthy-Dundon and Keane-Collopy gangs in jail and serving lengthy sentences, no meeting could take place.

Negotiations between the two gangs continued throughout last week until Thursday night. An associate of the Keane-Collopy faction has been speaking to jailed members of the St Mary's Park-based gang throughout negotiations.

Another individual who is also based in Limerick city has spoken over the phone to jailed members of the McCarthy-Dundon gang who have agreed to the tacit truce. This individual knows members from both sides of the feud.
Via Independant

The news without a doubt will be taken with a giant grain of salt by Limerick people as the so-called armistice enters its first few

Limerick Garda Superintendent John Kerin told the Limerick Leader,

"If true, we would welcome it. We would welcome anything that would create harmony and peace in the city.”

Man drowns while swimming in river Shannon

A man in his twenties has drowned in the river Shannon this evening.

Emergency services responded to the scene of an incident near the Barrack Lane boat club this evening after reports that a man had gotten into difficulty in the river while swimming.

Reports say the man in his twenties and believed to be from the north side of the city, was swimming widths of the river between the metal bridge and the Barrack Lane boat club when he went under. The alarm was raised around 5.45pm.

Gardai along with fire and ambulance crews attended the scene near Browns Quay which was described initially as a river rescue operation, however after two hours of searching; the body of the man was recovered.

A specialist diving unit of the Marine Search and rescue had carried out searches of the river from Thomond Bridge to the long pavement section of the waterway following the mans disappearance.

The victims body will be taken to the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle for a post mortem examination.

NEW DETAILS
The victim has been named as Brendan O'Niell of College Avenue, Moyross

Man charged after Saturday’s stabbing attack

A man who was being questioned in relation to the stabbing of two teenagers last Saturday night which resulted in one teenager’s death, has been charged.

The 19 year old, who had handed himself in to Gardai around 7pm Monday evening, will appear in court today charged over the stabbing of the 16 year old male who was injured alongside the victim, Roman Vysochan. He was charged with assault causing harm under section 3 of the non fatal offences against the person act.

A file is being prepared for the DPP in relation to the fatal stabbing of Roman Vysochan and Gardai say they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation.

Roman Vysochan and another male teen, both 16 years old, were stabbed around 11pm Saturday night in a row in the Corbally area of the city. Both were rushed to the Limerick regional hospital however Mr. Vysochan died of his injuries. His funeral takes place this morning.

Limerick East TD given junior ministry role

A Limerick East TD has been appointed as a junior minister of state in Taoiseach Brian Cowen's new junior cabinet team.

Peter Power has been appointed at the Department of Foreign Affairs where he will take on the responsibility for Overseas Aid.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader a short time ago, Mr. Power said,

"I will continue to work tirelessly for the people of Limerick and this appointment will ensure that Limerick is well served by two Ministers."

19 year old arrested over Vysochan death

A man has been arrested in connection with the death of Roman Vysochan who was stabbed to death Saturday night.

The 19 year old, who Gardai were looking for in connection with the incident was arrested just before 7pm this evening.

He is being held at Mayorstone Garda Station.Meanwhile the first teenager arrested in connection with the death, a 16 year old male, has been released today and a file has been sent to the director of public prosecutions.

Roman Vysochan was a 5th year student at St. Munchins College in Corbally. He was stabbed to death after an altercation on Saturday night at Carrig Midhe, Corbally around 10.45pm.

Man arrested after Garda pursuit

A man is in Garda custody following a high speed chase in the early hours of this morning.

Four Garda units were involved in the pursuit, which lasted nearly 25 minutes, after they spotted a car with no lights in the Kileely area of the city. When Gardai signalled the car to stop, the driver fled.

Limerick Gardai chased the silver Fiat Bravo, which was travelling at high speed through Hassets cross, along the Condell road and out the N18 road to Shannon as far as Shannon airport. Garda units from Shannon town joined the chase and the suspect was finally apprehended.

The man was taken to Henry Street Garda station were he was charged with drink driving. He will appear in court on Thursday.

One arrested after 16-year-old is stabbed to death

A murder investigation is expected to be launched after a 16 year old boy was stabbed to death in Corbally Saturday night.

The young teenager, believed to be Latvian, was found lying on the footpath at Carrig Midhe around 11pm suffering two stab wounds to his chest. He was rushed to the Limerick Regional Hospital however following cardiac arrest, he died on arrival. Another teenager, believed to be from Limerick, is in a stable condition in hospital following the incident.

Gardai have arrested a teenager, who is also 16 years old, in relation to the death. He is being held a Mayorstone Garda station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. He was arrested early this morning.

The scene of the incident has been preserved for technical examination.The arrested teen is from the Limerick City area.

NEW DETAILS
::RTE news reports that Gardai are investigating the possibility that the death occurred following a row at the entrance to the housing estate that escalated very quickly. A conflicting report on the nationality of the deceased indicates he was from Ukraine.

::The victim has been named as Roman Vysochan of Ashley Close, Westbury, Co Clare.

::"This afternoon search teams discovered two knives on waste ground near the Carrig Midhe estate and they have been sent for forensic analysis."
Via Limerick Leader

::Gardai have confirmed they are seeking another teenage suspect in relation to the killing - NewsTalk radio
(Picture: RTENews)

Woman found dead in Coonagh

Gardai are investigating following the discovery of the body of a woman at her home in Coonagh today.

They say they are treating as suspicious, the death of the 77 year old who was found with suspected head injuries.

Gardai are now preserving the scene for examination by the state pathologist’s office.

NEW DETAILS
Gardai are no longer treating the death as suspicious and say it was a tragic accident

Operation Platinum: Gardai to keep seized cash

Gardai were given permission at Limerick District Court today to hold onto the money they seized in yesterdays raids.

Gardai made 12 separate applications to the court today to retain the money which was confiscated during the 250 man Operation Platinum yesterday. Reports day some of the money recovered was found in bedrooms, cupboards and even an extractor fan.

At the hearing it was alleged that the owners of the different sums of money were “directly linked” to criminals in the city.

Around €250,000 in total was seized from houses around the city.

Two screens for Munster final

"Paint the town Red"

Munster fans who did not obtain tickets for the Heineken Cup Final will be able to follow the action in the next best place as it was confirmed today that two screens will be erected in Limerick City centre on the big day.

The two screens will be set up in the city centre at the junctions of O'Connell Street and Glentworth Street and O'Connell Street and Shannon Street on May 24th for the game against Toulouse .

Fran O'Donnell, of Futurama Productions told the Limerick Leader this evening,

“We wouldn't be surprised to see over 25,000 fans come in this year. Everything about the last day left a good taste in the mouth of everyone that was there. The policing of the event was exceptional and of course the win ensured the day would last long in the memory. I know that some of the player's parents aren't going over this year and they will be coming into the big screen for the final"

Thousands of fans jammed into O' Connell Street in 2006 to watch Munster winning their first Heineken Cup. Pictures of the scene on O' Connell Street were beamed into the Millennium stadium’s giant screens during the match.

Operation Platinum hits criminals hard

Searches are continuing in the city tonight as part of a clampdown on criminal and gang activity.

At least three men in their twenties were arrested by Gardai during the raids which saw drugs, money, documents and firearms seized. At least 150 properties were searched in the raids which got underway early this morning. They have now been released this evening as without charge.

The raids, thought to be the culmination of months of work are being carried out in conjunction with the Garda Criminal Assets Bureaux and are the biggest ever raids carried out in Limerick.

The Breakdown:

:: 250 armed and local gardai some brought in from across Munster began searching the homes and business premises from 6am.

:: The Garda Air support Helicopter arrived around 7.30am to assist in the operation which is targeting feuding in the city.

:: Areas searched included but are not limited to Ballinacurra Weston, Southill, Moyross, Ballynanty, Kileely and St Mary's Park. Reports say premises in Co. Tipperary, Co. Clare and Co. Dublin were also searched.

::A location in Shannon town was searched.

:: Chief Supt Willie Keane spoke on the operation saying it was one of the biggest in the country.

"It is certainly the biggest one in the Limerick Division and I would say it is probably one of the biggest ones in the State in recent times as well. 250 plus members of the Garda Siochana is a huge operation by any standards

It was primarily driven by the criminal assets of these gangs, in excess of 150 premises have been searched and it is a culmination of many months work, searches of this scale do not happen overnight so it is a culmination of many months work initiated by our assets profilers based locally here in Limerick who profiled the various criminal gangs and criminal elements in the city,"
Via Limerick Leader

:: Businesses searched in the raids include accountancy and solicitor firms according to reports.

:: A immense amount of documentation including bank details, credit union books and computer hardware was sequestered along with nearly €100,000 in euro and sterling. A car with false number plates and a motorbike were also seized.

Among the political reactions, Sinn Féin Limerick Spokesperson Maurice Quinlivan has said,

“Serious efforts must now be made to bring about more arrests and to secureconvictions. I spent most of the day in Moyross where there was strongsupport for the Garda actions with a feeling that at long last the issue isbeing taken seriously.Today’s actions must not be a one off and must be part or a coordinatedresponse to put these people out of action. The Gardaí must be given theresources to ensure that strong cases are built and it is hoped that seriouscharges will follow today’s operation and those who have profited from drugcrime over the years in Limerick are taken off our streets.”

Minister Willie O Dea praised the raids and confirmed that the Criminal Assets Bureaux were preparing to seized houses owned by criminals,

"Over the past twelve months CAB have been carrying out a huge investigation into property in Limerick and they have compiled a list of properties where there is no explanation as to how the owners accumulated the money to pay for them"

Operation Platinum will continue for a further 24hrs at least.

(Photos: Limerick Leader / RTE News)

O’ Dea remains Minister for Defence

Willie O Dea has retained his post as Minister for Defence after the new cabinet was unveiled in the Dail this evening

The 55 year old Limerick East TD was named as part of Brian Cowens new ministerial team which saw changes in other departments.

Mr. O Dea was named Minister for Defence following a cabinet reshuffle in 2004 and has held the position ever since.

List of Cowen's new Cabinet (Irish Times)

Judge threatens to strike out murder charge

A Limerick judge has warned he may strike out a murder charge against an accused man if a book of evidence is not presented against him in two weeks time.

David Bridgeman of O'Malley Park in Southill is charged with the murder of 36 year old Charlie Molloy who was found dead near his home in Maigue Way, John Carew Park, Southill on the 23rd of February.

In court today, the judge heard from Inspector Tom ‘O Brien that the Director of Public Prosecutions has still not completed the book of evidence against Mr. Bridgeman and asked for a further two week adjournment.

The accused has been remanded in custody until May 21st.

Judge Tom O`Donnell had previously warned the DPP in relation to this matter on Apr 23rd.

NewsWire birthday: Another year swings by.

NewsWire 2 years old today...

Two years of this crap...It never gets boring!

Garda appeal after serious crash

Gardai have made a special appeal for witnesses to a road crash which occurred last Monday 28th of April, to come forward.

The accident, which NewsWire reported, occurred between a car and a van around a mile from Limerick on the R511 road. Six people, including a 3 year old boy, were injured in the accident.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have seen the collision to contact Garda James Cronin at Roxboro Garda station at 214340.

The accident happened around 5pm.

Man gets six months in prison for stealing child’s bike

A Limerick man who stole a bicycle from a twelve year old girl has been sentenced at Limerick District court today to 6 months in prison.

David Byrnes, of no fixed abode, but formerly with an address at Ballintemple in Limerick, also pleaded guilty at Limerick District Court to the theft of a bottle of wine from a supermarket in Castleconnell on the 25th of April.

With 72 previous convictions, the judge told the defendant he needs to do something to sort out his life.

Giving evidence at Limerick District Court, David Byrnes told Judge Tom O’Donnell he was ashamed of himself for taking the bicycle from a 12 year old, but added he is an alcoholic and does stupid things when he is drunk.

The 24 year old has 72 previous convictions accumulated in 6 years and says he finds it easier to get help with his addiction when he is on prison
Via Live95FM

Judge Tom O Donnell said while imposing the sentence that stealing a child’s bike was about as low as you can go.

Two men to appear in court Tuesday in relation to gangland activity

Two men who were in a stolen car while in possession of a loaded firearm will appear in court Tuesday morning.

23-year-old Liam Keane and another 20-year-old man were arrested by local Gardai assisted by the Emergency Response Unit in the Corbally area of the city Saturday night after Gardai spotted the two men driving a stolen car.

Following a very brief pursuit Gardai stopped the car and the pair were arrested. A loaded Glock pistol was found in the car.

Mr. Keane (seen right) is a well-known Limerick criminal with over 50 previous convictions.

Both will appear before Limerick District Court at 10.30am

Meanwhile Gardai have arrested another man in relation to gangland activity in Limerick City. The 24-year-old is being held at Roxboro Garda station after he was arrested Monday morning.

NEW DETAILS
23-year-old Liam Keane and 20-year-old Greg Crawford have been charged with the possession of a loaded pistol and have been remanded in custody until May 13th.

The court heard they made no reply when charged and there was no application for bail

Coastguard helicopter evacuates boy from clare glens

A coastguard helicopter was called in today to assist in the evacuation of a young boy who was injured in an abseiling accident.

The incident happened late afternoon at a rockface in the clare gelns, close to Newport, Co. Tipperary.

The boy, thought to be 11 years old, was injured after he fell 100m into a deep ravine while abseiling.

He was airlifted form the scene and brought to Coonagh airfield where he was then transferred by ambulance to the Mid Western Regional Hospital.

His injuries are not said to be life threatening.

Multiple injuries after N21 traffic accidents

A series of road traffic accidents near Adare today has left 10 people slightly injured with a further five more requiring hospital treatment.Emergency services responded to the scenes of the multiple car accidents which occurred this afternoon on the N21 out of Adare.

It’s believed none of the injuries are life threatening however five of the injured have been transferred to Limerick Regional Hospital and St. Johns Hospital in the city.

AARoadwatch reports:

N21/LIMERICK* The N21 is blocked northbound at Adare following a multiple car collision. Gardai are diverting traffic until further notice. If travelling from Kerry motorists are advised to use the N69 via Askeaton instead. Expect long delays.

Live 95FM has reported that up to 10 cars were involved in the accidents which occurred near Adare and Croagh.

Limerick Gardai in hour long car chase

Limerick Gardai were involved in a high speed chase of a suspect vehicle for near an hour today in the east Co. Limerick

Gardai attempted to stop a car in Limerick city around 2.30pm when the occupants fled. Gardai initially chased the suspect car towards Monaleen however the chase then made its way out the Ballysimon road.

Gardai from Henry Street and Roxboro stations assisted by county units gave chase to the male driver which saw them pass through Bother, Dromkeen, Cappamore and Grange cross. It is at this point that Gardai apparently lost sight of the suspects.

NewsWire understands a Garda Car was rammed during the near hour long chase.

No more details were available.

Two held after Gardai seize loaded pistol

Two men have been arrested following the discovery of a loaded gun in a stolen car Saturday night.

Gardai spotted the car which was reported stolen and stopped it on the Athlunkard Road in Corbally close to 2am.

After a search of the vehicle, Gardai, assisted by the Emergency Response Unit, recovered a loaded Glock pistol.

The two occupants of the car were arrested and are being held under section 30 of the offences against the state act.

The arrested are believed to be aged 20 and 23.

More form independent.ie,

"One of the men, who is a high-ranking member of the Keane criminal gang, was released from prison recently. He is believed to be the prime suspect in a drive-by shooting in the city last month, when an opposing McCarthy-Dundon gang member was shot twice near his home. He has more than 50 criminal convictions.Both individuals are from the St Mary's Park area of the city and are regarded as dangerous criminals by gardai."

Two injured in fiery car smash

Two people have been injured, one seriously, after a fiery two car crash in Limerick city Friday night.

The accident occurred around 10.30pm when two cars collided at a junction close to the Statoil garage and the Quality hotel on the Childers Road on the southside of the city.

Emergency services quickly responded to the accident in which one of the cars had caught fire. A seriously injured woman was removed from the scene by ambulance to the Midwestern regional hospital.

Riverfest '08 gets underway in the city

The annual Limerick Riverfest will get underway this weekend. The festival will run from today until late Monday evening. Officials have confirmed that there will be no fireworks display at this year’s event however stress there is a plethora of events for all the family to enjoy,

“This year's expanded festival programme sees the return of the established favourites such as the River Shannon-igans, River Feast International BBQ Competition, the European Market, Riverfest Global Beats and the River Fringe Arts Trail. Riverfest 2008 will celebrate Limerick's long fashion tradition with the Limerick International Fashion Experiment inviting Fashion Students from around Ireland and Europe to Limerick to compete with their fresh original designs for the Jim Kemmy Student Fashion Award. The Festival of Urban Sports Events will take to the streets of the city as Street Mountain Bike Racers, Skateboarders, Street Artists and much more come to Limerick to enthral festival goers with the best of Urban Sports players.”
Via CityLocal.ie

A full breakdown of what is on and where can be found HERE.

Clare councillor deeply concerned over gun incidents

A councillor representing residents of south east Clare says he is “deeply concerned” following two gun incidents in the region over the last week.

Cllr. Cathal Crowe was speaking this week following an incident involving a pellet gun near Westbury Stores, which is within the Clare boundary and a serious shooting attack at Barry’s cross in Ardnacrusha last Thursday.

He told the Limerick Leader this weekend,

“This is a quiet residential area and it is frightening to think that these two incidents have taken place. Both incidents occurred in close proximity to shops where young people and children often congregate, an innocent bystander could easily been injured or killed.”

One killed in road traffic accident

A 54 year old man killed in a road traffic accident close to the Limerick-Clare border Thursday evening has been named as named as John O'Donoghue from Knockane in Adare, Co Limerick.

The accident occurred around 8.45pm on the N18 Dual carriageway between setrights pub and Bunratty when a car left the road and hit a tree.

Gardai and emergency services responded to the scene of the single vehicle accident however it believed the man, who was the only occupant of the car, died shortly after being removed to hospital.

Gardai are appealing for driver to slow down and take care on the roads this bank holiday weekend.