Couple recovering after Kilmallock robbery

A major Garda investigation has been launched after a husband and wife were tied up by an armed gang in a robbery in Kilmallock Sunday night.

The couple, owners of petrol station in the town, were at their home when a gang of about 5 men gained entry to the house around 10pm. They forced the man to go to the petrol station where a large sum of money was handed over. Its reported that at least one of the men was armed with a handgun.

The man and his wife were then tied up at their house before the gang made off with the money in the couples jeep. The couple managed to raise the alarm a few hours later.

Gardai have appealed for anyone who may have seen anything to contact their incident room at 061 382940.

Man dies in west Limerick crash

A man has been killed in a road accident in Co. Limerick Sunday night.

The man, thought to be in his early twenties died when the car in which he was travelling in, careered into a ditch on the N69 road near Loughill around 9.15pm.

A woman in her twenties who was also travelling in the car was taken to Limerick regional Hospital. Two other passengers did not require treatment.

The scene of the crash, around 3 miles out of Loughill on the Glin road remains sealed off by Gardai while technical examinations are carried out.

NEW DETAILS
The deceased man has been named as 21 year old Robert McElligott from Ballyhahill, Co Limerick. Mr. McElligott worked as a fitter in Aughinish.

Gardai seek missing Dooradoyle woman

Gardai in Limerick are appealing for information from the public in relation to the whereabouts of a missing Limerick woman.

Nuala McHugh from Dooradoyle was last seen on Tuesday evening in near her home at Willow Court at around 5pm.

She is described as being 1.67m tall of medium to heavy buildm with shoulder length straight brown hair and speaks with a slight Dublin accent.When last seen Nuala was wearing cotton trousers and a long brown jacket. Her family are said to be extremely concerned for her welfare.
Via RTE News

Gardai are asking anyone who may have any information to contact them on 061 214340.

Search for missing Limerick woman is scaled down

A search for a missing elderly Limerick woman in Italy has been scaled down, Italian Police have said this evening.

82 year old Mairead Geary was last seen on Friday when she said she was taking a cable car up to a viewing point on nearby Mount Mottarone near the northern Italian town of Stresa.

Mrs. Geary is originally from Co. Clare but has been living on the South Circular Road for most of her life. Family members travelled to Italy on Sunday to take part in the search but have since returned home.

Man detained after Shannon searches

Gardai in Clare investigating the activities of a number of criminal groups believed to be associated with gangland crime in Limerick, have arrested a man and seized a number of items during searches in Shannon.

Shannon Gardai assisted by the newly established Regional Support Unit carried out searches at a number of properties in the town seizing a hand gun, some ammunition, drugs and pipe bomb components.

The arrested man is being held at Ennis Garda station.

NEW DETAILS
The arrested man, a 27 year old from Limerick City but living in Shannon, is being detained under section 4 of the criminal justice act.

Jury in Niall Shannon trial fails to reach verdict

Hung Jury in double road death case.
The Jury in the trial of Niall Shannon has found the 20 year old guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol but have failed to reach a verdict on the charge of dangerous driving causing death.

The jury of seven woman and five men returned their verdict this evening reaching a unanimous decision in relation to the charge of drink driving however the jury foreperson said there was “no prospect of agreeing a verdict” on the charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Garda Brian Kelleher and fireman Michael Liston.

The carpenter from Ballylongford in Co. Kerry was on trial following the road traffic accident in February of last year in which Garda and fireman were killed as they attended the scene of an earlier crash.

After thanking the jury for their service Judge Carroll Moran excused the jurors from further jury service for two years.

In a statement issued following the conclusion of the trial Limerick County Council said: "The thoughts of Limerick County Council and its employees are with the families of Firefighter Michael Liston and Garda Brian Kelleher at this difficult time."

The statement added: "Limerick County Council would like to thank all the Firefighters involved for both their professionalism and competency on the night of the incident on 25 February 2007 when we lost close colleagues, and for the way in which they aided the State in the prosecution of this case."
Via Limerick Leader

Counsel for the state Michael Collins said he will now wait for further instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Garda Kelleher who was originally form Mallow but based at Croom Garda station and Fireman Michael Liston who was based in Foynes were both first responders to the scene of the overturned car on the N69 road near Foynes around 5am the morning of Sunday February 25th 2007 when a second car, a1994 Kerry-registered black Audi coupe driven by Mr. Shannon crashed into the scene at high speed. Both emergency service workers died at the scene.

In a trial which lasted eight days, the jury heard harrowing evidence from colleagues of the two victims who were in attendance on the morning of the crash as they described witnessing their friends last moments.

Mr. Shannon had pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him including a charge of driving with two bald tyres, a charge which was dropped during the trial.

Gardai seize two vehicles from Limerick criminals

Gardai from the Criminal Assets bureau have been granted permission by a judge to seize two vehicles from Limerick criminals believed to be involved in gangland activity in the city.

Local radio reports today say the two cars worth around €100,000 were taken from two well known criminals.

The order was granted by a judge this morning and Gardai quickly acted upon it.

NEW DETAILS
The Criminal Assets Bureau will sell the Toyota Avensis and Land Cruiser which RTE reports belong to Philip Collopy and Brian Scanlon, both of whom are connected to the Keane-Collopy criminal gang.

Jury in Niall Shannon trail begin deliberations

The jury in the trial of a man accused of dangerous driving causing the deaths of a Garda and a Fireman in Co. Limerick last year has retired to consider a verdict today.

Niall Shannon an apprentice carpenter from Ballylongford Co. Kerry has been on trial at the Circuit Court since October 1st in relation to the road traffic accident in February of last year in which Garda Brian Kelleher and fireman Michael Liston were killed.

In his closing address to the jury, prosecuting Senior Counsel, John O`Kelly said Niall Shannon had failed to react to what had gone wrong, had failed to take any action to avoid a collision and appears to have been speeding. Mr O`Kelly added it is known Niall Shannon had excessive alcohol in his system which may explain why he failed to stop and failed to slow down.

Senior Counsel for the Defence, Anthony Salmon accused the prosecution of playing down the fact the collision occurred on a dangerous bend. He described measures taken to warn oncoming traffic of the earlier collision as `shambolic` suggesting if proper measures had been taken `two good men wouldn`t have lost their lives`.

He added the fact that you are over the legal alcohol limit to drive doesn`t automatically mean you are drunk.
Via Live95FM

Mr. Shannon has also pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol.A charge of driving with two bald tyres was dropped.

The jury which consists of seven woman and five men retired to consider a verdict at 11.20am.

Corbally man intends to raffle his house

A Corbally man has been thrust into the media spotlight this week after he made the decision to raffle his house next month.

Tony Browne intends to sell 800 tickets at €500 each to be in with a chance to win his Carrabullawn house. He purchased his house which cost €352,000 last year but lost his job recently and is now unable to make mortgage repayments.

He told the Limerick Leader today,

"I'll definitely sell them all. I'd say I could be starting a trend; there'll be more raffling houses after me as no one can sell them"

Speaking on local radio Thursday morning Mr Brown said he plans to use some of the money raised to emigrate overseas.

The local Limerick Leader newspaper says it has been bombarded with calls from people enquiring of how to buy a ticket for the raffle however Mr Browne does not want to make this information public yet as he is still waiting for his lottery licence for the raffle.

More from Limerick Leader

Limerick Quick Hits

This and that from here and there.

:: At his arraignment trial today 23 year old Liam Keane pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a Glock Pistol and unauthorised possession of a vehicle on May 4th of this year. He is due to be sentenced on the 31st of October. More Here.

:: Residents of Norwood Park, Granville and Lynwood Park are upset over apparent proposals for apartments and townhouses in their areas. Councillor Pat Kennedy is standing by residents who are against a development of 46 apartments and 15 townhouses next to St Brigid’s School. Loads more Here.

:: The bronze statue of Limericks movie legend Richard Harris on Bedford Row has been seriously damaged by vandals during the week. See the damage over at the Limerick Leader Here.

:: Limerick alternative rock band 'Seneca' are currently touring Iowa in the USA. A local newspaper in the state has given them some coverage. “No leprechauns, but plenty of tunes for Limerick-based band”. See that Here.

:: Two minute news covering Irish Bangladeshi community living in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and other cities of Ireland on YouTube. Watch Here.

:: Wow, remember Radio Limerick One TV? Or RLO TV as it was known. Then get ready for a flashback. This is was a promo for the station and has appeared on Youtube. Video Here.

Emergency services deal with fire at Milford care center

Emergency services attended the scene of a fire at the Milford Care Centre in Castletroy this afternoon.

Firefighters responded to reports of a fire in a newly constructed section of the center which is next to the University of Limerick, around 11.45am.

It’s believed a fire which broke out on the roof of the premises was brought under control and extinguished.A partial evacuation of the center did take place and Live95 radio reported some patients required treatment for minor smoke inhalation. NewsWire understands at least 5 patients and 2 staff members were treated at the scene.

Fire units from Limerick city battled the blaze backed up by a unit from Cappamore.

Milford care center operates specialist in-patient and community based palliative care services for the region.

Gardai probe suspicious death in Patrickswell

Gardai in Patrickswell are investigating what they describe as the suspicious death of a woman in the village.

The body of a 43 year old woman was discovered around 7.30pm Tuesday night where she was rushed to the mid western regional hospital however she was pronounced dead a short time later.

The house, which is situated in a residential area, has been sealed off by Gardai who are refusing to comment further on the death. It’s believed the State Pathologist has been requested to examine the scene where the woman’s body was found.

NEW DETAILS
The deceased as been named as 43 year old Carol Hickey of Galbally, Co. Limerick

Student gets suspended sentence following car chase

A Limerick man who led Gardai on a ten mile chase around Limerick has escaped a jail sentence.

21 year old Padraig Lillis from Lisaleen, Patrickswell led multiple Garda units on the chase which included driving the wrong way around a roundabout, breaking a red light and endangering lives by forcing traffic to swerve out of the way on several occasions.

Mr. Lillis pleaded guilty to all nine charges filled against him following the incident which happened on July 11th. The charges include Drink driving, failure to stop and seven counts of dangerous driving.

Garda Selena O`Keefe told Limerick District Court this was `the worst car chase` she has ever dealt with. She said Padraig Lillis` car reached speeds of 190 kilometres an hour during the 16 kilometre chase which began near Singland Cross on the Dublin Road and ended at Killonan, Ballysimon.

The 21 year old, who is currently in college in Cork told the court he wasn`t making conscious or rational decisions at the time. He had been assaulted in a bar in Limerick earlier that night and decided to go to his girlfriends house.Garda O`Keefe agreed he was a man of previously good character an said this seemed like a `moment of madness`.
Via Live95FM News

The young man escaped with a six month sentence suspended for two years.

Man injured in Henry Street stabbing

A man in his twenties was injured after he was stabbed in an incident in Limerick city centre Monday night.

Its believed man was stabbed outside a fast food takeaway on upper Henry Street around 9 pm. Gardai and Ambulance were alerted to the incident and the victim was rushed to the Mid Western Regional Hospital where he is in a stable condition. Another man, also in his twenties was arrested in connection with the incident a short time after the attack.

The arrested man is being held under section 4 of the criminal justice act at Henry Street Garda station. The victims injuries are not life threatening.

Overnight fire at Limerick City pub

An investigation has been launched into the cause of a serious fire at a city pub overnight.

Fire-fighters were busy putting out a blaze at Molyneauxs Pub on Mungret Street which broke out around 2.40 am. Fire service units from the city backed up by Cappamore fire service fought the blaze for over an hour.

An ambulance was called to the scene however nobody was inside the building at the time.

Garda Investigators will carry out a technical examination of the scene later today and have not yet determined a cause for the fire.

Two in court following petrol bomb attack

Two people have appeared in a Limerick court Monday charged in connection with the petrol bombing of a nightclub over the weekend.

22 year old Joseph Barden from Clarina Avenue Weston along with a 15 year old male youth who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Newcastle West Court this morning in relation to the attack on “Fireworks” nightclub in Newcastle West around 4am Sunday morning.

Both are accused of causing criminal damage at the nightclub and of stealing a car earlier in the same night.

”Sgt Gerry Enright, Newcastle West, told the court that neither of the accused made any reply when he formally charged them at Newcastle West Gardai Station over the weekend.

Judge Timothy Lucey granted each of the defendant’s free legal aid after he was told that neither of them are currently working.

Solicitor, Michael O'Donnell, said he was reserving his position regarding bail but he indicated to the court that he would be making bail applications on behalf of his clients when they appear before Newcastle West Court again on Friday.”
Via Limerick Leader.

The youth was remanded to Auberstown House in Dublin. Mr Barden will be held in custody at Limerick Prison.

The nightclub suffered minimal damage in the attack.

Garda undergoes surgery after city center attack

A Weston man has been charged with assault causing harm after he bit off a piece of a Garda’s ear in a savage attack over the weekend.

Its understood two Gardai were responding to an incident at a fast food restaurant on O Connell street around 11.15pm in the city when they came under attack. Both Gardai were hospitalised following the incident.

One Garda sustained facial bruising and required 10 stitches while the other has undergone surgery after he had a part of his ear bitten off.

31 year old Gary Culhane with an address on Hyde Avenue in Ballinacurra Weston was charged with the attack and at a special sitting of Limerick district court yesterday was remanded in custody until Wednesday.

Gardai recover loaded shotgun, two arrested

Gardai investigating gangland activity in Limerick have arrested two men following the discovery of a loaded shotgun in the city.

Gardai discovered the weapon and detained the two men after noticing suspicious activity in the Greenhill’s road area of Garryowen late last night. Gardai later recovered a number of shotgun cartages in a follow up search of a vehicle.

Local radio reports both men, aged 19 and 25, are being held at Henry street Garda station.

Limerick City Garda killed in Galway crash

A Limerick based member of An Garda Siochana has been killed in a road accident in Galway.

The 24 year old was killed when the car in which he was travelling, hit a wall near Loughrea in Co Galway around 5am. The young man was the only occupant of the car and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Although not originally from Limerick, Live95FM reports the Garda was based out of Henry Street and Mayorstone Garda stations.

NEW DETAILS
The young man has been named as 24 year old Paul Flynn.

Petrol bomb attack on Newcastle West nightclub

Gardai investigating a petrol bomb attack on a nightclub in Newcastle West early Sunday morning have arrested two men in relation to the attack.

Staff fled for safety following the attack which happened around 4am at the Fireworks nightclub in the town.

Emergency services raced to the scene following reports of the fire however everyone was out of the building upon their arrival. The small fire was quickly brought under control by Newcastle West fire service units and nobody is believed to have been injured in the incident.

Gardai in the town are investigating the fire and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them at 06962111.

Radio reports say the two held, a man in his twenties and a youth, are being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice act.

Shots fired at house in Clonlara

Gardai are investigating a shooting incident in Clonlara Thursday night not far from Limerick city.

A number of shots were fired at a house in the village, occupied by a family of three, around 1.40am. Radio reports say up to 14 shots may have been fired at the back of the house including the bedroom window. No one was injured in the attack.

Gardai at Mayorstone are investigating the attack and will carry out a technical examination of the scene later this morning.

NEW DETAILS
Gardai have been speaking about the attack.

"Thankfully nobody was injured in this shooting but the family are naturally quite shocked. We are appealing for witnesses who may have noticed anything suspicious in the Clonoughter area last night around 1.15am to come forward," said the spokesman.

While Gardai could not comment, it's believed that this incident may be related to ongoing feud activity in the city.
Via Limerick Leader

Limerick men held following attempted robbery in Clare

Three Limerick men are being detained at Co. Clare Garda stations following an attempted robbery at a house in Clare Wednesday night.

Gardai rushed to the scene of the incident at Sixmilebridge around 1am where it’s believed three men had entered a house, one armed with an iron bar. Radio reports say one of the men threatened a young girl in her bedroom before assaulting her father and leaving the house.

Gardai were able to apprehend the men early this morning.

The three men all from Limerick city and in their 20’s are being held at Ennis and Shannon Garda stations in connection with the incident.

Limerick Quick Hits

This and that from here and there.

::Limerick Institute of Technology has been highly praised in a new national survey of third level colleges. LIT came 11th in the national list of colleges, but was top of league of Institutes of Technologies following a “strong performance in several assessment criteria”. More Here.

::In the continuing crackdown on criminal activity in Limerick the Criminal Assets Bureau have frozen over €150,000 in the credit union accounts of two “respectable” Limerick people. Gardai believe criminal gangs may be duping people into minding their dirty money for them. More Here.

::A woman who was asleep in the sitting room of her Castletroy home awoke in the early hours of the morning to find a man rummaging through her handbag. Apparently she forgot to lock the front door. More Here

::The Irish Examiner has gone Statistics mad on the issue of crime in Limerick and the rest of the country. Stats, stats and more stats Here.

:: Some videos of the recent 'I Love Limerick' parade have been uploaded to Youtube. View Here.

:: Many videos and songs have also been uploaded in recent weeks to Youtube apparently containing content of the well known Limerick pranksters, the Rubberbandits. Three videos we could find. One, Two, Three. Mature content of course.

Woman seriously injured after bridge fall

A woman was seriously injured Wednesday after falling over 30 feet from a bridge onto the N20 bypass, Gardai have said.

The woman was out walking when the incident happened around 5pm. Gardai, ambulance and fire service personnel responded to the scene at Croom and all traffic was halted for up to 20 minutes.

The woman was rushed to the Mid-western regional hospital suffering from severe abdominal pain and multiple fractures.

Man pleads not guilty to dangerous driving causing deaths

A 20 year old man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing the deaths of a Garda and a Fireman in Co. Limerick last year.

Niall Shannon an apprentice carpenter from Ballylongford Co. Kerry is on trial following a road traffic accident in February of last year in which Garda Brian Kelleher and fireman Michael Liston were killed.

Garda Brian Kelleher who was originally form Mallow but based at Croom Garda station and Fire-fighter Michael Liston who was based in Foynes were both first responders to the scene of the overturned car on the N69 road near Foynes around 5am the morning of Sunday February 25th 2007 when a second car, driven by Mr. Shannon crashed into the scene at high speed. Both emergency service workers died at the scene.

A jury has been sworn in for the case which got underway this morning at Limerick Circuit Court. Mr. Shannon has also pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with two bald tyres.

NEW DETAILS
During the evening session of the first day of the trial Wednesday, the jury was warned by Judge Carroll Moran not to let sympathy for the victims families or the defendant affect their judgment during the case which may last for 8 days.

During opening proceedings, prosecutor John O’Kelly told the court of how Mr. Shannon drove at speed towards the scene at which the garda and fireman were attending, ignoring a fire-fighter who had been on point duty 130 metres from the scene and who had tried to flag him down, continued at speed striking the open door of a fire engine before finally hitting Garda Brian Kelleher and fireman Michael Liston.

Mr O'Kelly said for somebody to drive in such a manner that he failed to stop, not just when there were flashing lights on the road, but also when there was a uniformed fireman trying to flag him down is evidence of the most dangerous driving you could possibly conceive.

He said Mr Shannon was driving his car at a speed so fast it propelled the two victims into the air, one into a wall and the other 30m down the road.

He said in addition there will be evidence of driving with excess alcohol and the jury may also consider this when deciding on the charge of dangerous driving.
Via RTE News

The trial continues tomorrow.