Firearms found at Southside industrial estate

A continuing Garda crackdown on criminal activity in Limerick has seen more drugs and firearms seized this morning.

Three firearms, ammunition and 2KG of cocaine have been seized during this mornings’ searches at the Galvone Industrial Estate, which is located in the south side of the city.

The firearms are believed to be two 'high-powered' rifles and a pump-action shotgun. A telescopic lens was also recovered. The cocaine discovered has a reported potential street value of €140,000.

A Garda spokesperson told local radio the searches are part of an operation against gangland activity and are also related to the investigation into the murder of 28 year old Shane Geoghegan.

Searches are continuing this afternoon.

Man in court for occupying Southill Shebeen

A Southill man has appeared in court today charged with being an occupier of an unlicensed drink premises last April.

Gardai say 48 year old Anthony Kelly was at the Shebeen which is allegedly run by his brother Francis, at Keyes Park last April when Gardai raided the location.

Mr Kelly was accompanied in court by his brother, Francis, who has stated that he is only facilitating friends who pool their money together to buy cheap alcohol from supermarket chains.

Solicitor John Devane, on behalf of Mr Kelly, petitioned the court to make the State supply a copy of the search warrant, photographs taken by gardai at the premises on the night of the raid, as well as a ledger that was seized.
Via Limerick Leader

Gardai have raided the unlicensed drink premises on numerous occasions seizing large quantities of alcohol on two separate nights including beer, spirits, kegs, taps and fridges. ‘Ma Kelly’s’ also provides poker machines and fruit machines along with satellite TV to it’s regulars.

The matter was adjourned until January 8th.

Two injured in accident near Foynes

Two people were injured in a road accident near Foynes Thursday.

The two car accident happened just before midday on the Main N69 route around a mile from Foynes on the Limerick road.

The two drivers of the cars, both male were removed to Limerick regional hospital where they are being treated for their injuries.

Fire services from Foynes and Rathkeale attended the scene.

Jobs under threat at Bawnmore center

Center says they need €1.5 million immediately to save jobs and services

Limerick TD’s are to raise the issue of funding problems at Bawnmore Day Services and Residential Care canter in the Dail tonight.

Reports today say the centre which is run by the Brothers of Charity may have to cut services for up to 100 disabled people as it enters “Desperation stakes” in regards to funding.

The charity also says 60 jobs are at risk because it has not received much needed funding this year. The center has said it needs €1.5 million immediately to save jobs and services. If not, 30 jobs may go before the end of the year.

CEO Bob Sillery spoke to the Limerick Independent newspaper today,

“60 staff could lose their jobs and a large number of our users will have restricted services. We have people who are here seven days a week and their families may now have to take them home at weekends. We are going backwards 10 years. We have to start doubling up bedrooms. Already we can’t provide a full day service for 60 people and that will increase to 100”

Limerick TD’s Michael Noonan and Kieran O'Donnell will raise the issue in the Dail tonight.

NEW DETAILS
Junior Minister for Health and Children Sean Haughey responded in the Dail by saying the center in Bawnmore has taken on more employees than it had agreed with the HSE.

Mr. Haughey said the full level of funding approved for the Bawnmore center will be paid to the organisation this year saying it was his belief that every health service provider must take responsibility for operating within its means and budget allocation.

He said the Brothers of Charity ran up its current deficit by the hiring of these extra staff.

Jobs to be lost at Newcastle West plant

Around 59 jobs will be lost at the Filtertek plant in Newcastle West, the company confirmed this morning.

The company which designs and manufactures custom filters for major original equipment manufacturer’s across the globe, said it would be restructuring the business and would be reducing its workforce at the plant from 100 to round 40 people, sighting the recent economic downturn for the decision.

In a statement the company said it regrets the decision.

Ammunition, Firearm and drugs seized in continuing searches

Gardai investigating the murder of Shane Geoghegan have recovered more ammunition, drugs and a firearm in continuing searches in Weston.

Today’s searches began at 8am and so far Gardai have confirmed that 74 rounds of ammunition, a firearm and a small quantity of drugs have been recovered. The firearm was recovered at a vacant house in the area around 11.30am this morning.

Searches are continuing.

Man charged over Michael Street assault

A man has appeared before Limerick District court today after he was charged this morning in relation to a brutal assault of another man last weekend.

24 year old Michael Kirby from Prospect was arrested Monday morning following the attack on 21 year old Adam Hayes on Friday evening. He was charged this morning with serious assault causing harm.

Mr. Hayes remains in a stable but serious condition in Cork University Hospital since the attack which Gardai say was carried out by two men.

The victim’s family has said today that there's been a “slight improvement” in his condition.

At the sitting today the accused was remanded in custody to appear again on December 2nd where he will be applying for bail. Gardai are still searching for one other man in relation to the incident.

Man held in assault investigation

A man has been arrested in relation to a serious assault in the city center on Friday night which left a 22 year old fighting for his life at Cork University Hospital.

Gardai detained a man in his 20’s around 11am this morning in the city centre and he was taken to Henry Street Garda station for questioning. He can be held for up to 24 hours before he must be charged or released.

Meanwhile officials at Cork University Hospital have said the victim of Friday night attack remains in a stable condition in intensive care.

Gardai believe two men carried out the attack which took place on Michael Street around 6.30pm.

Gardai uncover ammo and drugs in city searches

Gardai investigating the murder of Shane Geoghegan have uncovered ammunition and drugs in searches carried out today.

The planned dig began early this morning in Caladonian Park and hundreds of rounds of ammunition along with an estimated €40,000 worth of cannabis were found.

Garda operations are continuing.

Meanwhile Gardai on the hunt for Shane Geoghegans killers are reported to be tracking them through the social networking site Bebo.

Sunday Tribune,

“The man who drove the car used in the murder of innocent rugby player Shane Geoghegan has given a fascinating insight into his life as a lieutenant in a major drugs gang – on his Bebo internet page.”

More Here

Castletroy street fight leaves 3 injured

Three people were left with injuries following a serious fracas which occurred in Castletroy Sunday afternoon.

Gardai were alerted around 2.30pm to reports of an incident involving a group of men at Elm Park close to the Hurlers pub. Garda units and ambulances were sent to the scene and two men ,both believed to be polish nationals aged 26 and 30 were removed to the mid western regional hospital for treatment. Another man did not require hospital treatment.

Gardai are investigating the circumstances surrounding the assaults and no arrests have been made.

€140,000 worth of drugs seized in searches

Gardai seized more than €140,000 worth of cannabis resin and heroin in searches carried out around the city yesterday, the organization confirmed tonight.

Three people were arrested in the operation which included searches of a number of houses and a car yesterday afternoon and late evening.

A man in his 30’s and a man in his 20’s were detained under the Drug Trafficking Act while another man was detained under the Criminal Justice Act.

All three were released this morning while a file is bring prepared for the Director of public prosecutions.

NEW DETAILS
The drugs were found in a car in the city center, Careys Road and a house in Ballynanty.

Man in serious condition after city assault

A man is in critical condition in hospital after he was the victim of a brutal assault in Limerick city centre Friday night.

The incident happened around 6.30pm when a man in his 20’s was reportedly attacked by two men on Michael Street.

The victim was rushed to the Mid Western Regional hospital and has since been transferred to Cork University Hospital where he is described as being in a critical but stable condition. Radio reports say the victim, who is from the south side of the city has undergone emergency surgery.

An area off Michael Street near St. Michaels Court was sealed off overnight for a technical examination to be carried out.

Gardai at Henry Street are not ruling out the possibility the attack was feud related and have appealed for anyone who was in the area and may have seen anything to contact them.

Boy seriously injured in Clare accident

A young boy has been rushed to Limerick regional hospital after he was seriously injured in a road accident in Co Clare.

The accident reportedly happened in the village of Lisseycasy around 5pm this evening. The boy, 12 years old, had stepped off a coach when he was struck by a car.

No further details were available.

Local rugby legend dies

'And dearer far than all this world Is that dear Isle'

A well known Limerick rugby legend has died this morning.

Frankie Flynn of Shannon RFC was best known for his rousing versions of Shannons anthem 'There Is An Isle'.

The Shannon RFC website announced this morning,

"It is with great regret that we have learned of the passing of Shannon RFC legend, Frankie O'Flynn, this morning at 5am in Milford Hospice, Limerick. May he Rest In Peace."

Limerick Leader has more,

A long-standing member of the club, Frankie was part of team that won the club's First Munster Cup in 1960.Frankie is survived by his wife Violet and family.

His two grandsons Richard and Leonard are both members of the Shannon senior squad.

The former president of the club, known as the 'Bard of Thomond' will be reposing at Griffin's Funeral Home, John's Gate, on Sunday evening from 5pm, followed by removal at 7pm to St. Mary's Church. Funeral on Monday after 11am Mass to Mount St. Lawrence (Extension) Cemetery.

Inquest date set in Richard Kelly case

The inquest into the death of a young Limerick man who was murdered will take place next month.

Richard "Happy" Kelly was last seen in the Daly's Cross area on the outskirts of Limerick City on April 24th 2006. He had left his own house in O'Malley Park to baby-sit his then six-month old child at his former girlfriend's house. He was 17 when he went missing.

His skeletal remains were found on November 28th 2007 in a lake near Bodyke, Co. Clare. His body weighed down with bricks and dumped in Lough Brigid.

The inquest will take place at Ennis Courthouse on the 10th of December.

50 new jobs created in Limerick

50 new jobs have been announced for Limerick Thursday morning.

Willie O Dea was on hand to make the announcement that DTS Inc , a US technology firm, will create 50 high skilled jobs in at their HQ in the Plassey National Technology Park.

The company produces car stereos, game console products, and other home entertainment software.

Armed robbery at Castleconnell post office

An investigation is underway following an armed robbery at a post office in Castleconnell this morning.

Gardai from Henry Street assisted Castleconnell Gardai, sending armed response units to the scene. It’s believed three or four men took part in the robbery which occurred shortly after 9am.

A sledgehammer was used to gain entry via the rear of the post office and a quantity of cash was stolen. A postmistress and a number of customers were in the building at the time however nobody was hurt in the incident. One raider was also armed with a hatchet.

Gardai were looking for a silver colored Toyota Celica car with english registration plates in relation to the robbery.

Man dies in Limerick road crash

A man has been killed in a three vehicle road accident in Co Limerick this morning.

The man, thought to be in his thirties was killed when his ford focus was in collision with a truck and a tractor at Hynes Cross near Banogue around 7am.

Gardai have warned road users in the area to expect delays saying traffic diversions are currently in place on the main Limerick to Cork road between Croom and Rourke's Cross.

AA reports diversions are in place and as a result, Bus Eireann Cork/Limerick services are being delayed by to 45min.

NEW DETAILS
The victim has been named as 30 year old Paul Lynch of Ennis, Co Clare.

Munster team heroic in defeat at Thomand Park

After a nail biting and heroic performance, Thomond Park was electric tonight as Munster were leading 16-13 with 5 minutes to go only to have their hearts and the hearts of the fans crushed by a late winning try from New Zealands Joe Rokocko. The chance of history repeating itself, stolen in the dying minutes.

An incredible night at the home of rugby. Some photos from the historic night and a historic match below.Video uploaded shortly.

( The Army air corps deliver the match ball. Video uploaded by us)

( The final score )

( A New Zealand team huddle amidst the smoke of the pyrotechnics minutes before kick off )

( Taoiseach Brian Cowen officially opens Thomand Park )

( Pre-match entertainment for the capacity crowd)

Munster Vs The All Blacks - Traffic info

AA Roadwatch sums it up.
City traffic is extremely slow on all routes, especially the Dock Rd inbound, the delays starts at Mungret village and there are major delays on the Dublin Rd from Castletroy. Heavy inbound on the N69, N7, N20, N24.

This is all a result of the Munster V New Zealand rugby at Thomond Park at 7:30pm. At the last major rugby match, many suporters missed the game due to traffic delays, so set out early, try and get there for 6:30pm. Remember, all city centre multi story car parks are open until midnight. Do not park on any public green area and stay away from the northside of the city if not attending the match.

A special shuttle bus service is operating to Thomond Park from Henry Street, beside Dunnes Stores, from 4:30pm to 7pm. There is no return service.

Thomas St and Catherine St are closed until 7:30pm this evening.Access to Anne St car park is via Roches St

Mother to make Crimecall murder appeal

A Limerick mother will make an impassioned plea on national television tonight for any information which could help Gardai catch her son’s killers.

Mary Geoghegan will appear on RTE’s Crimecall program tonight and in an appeal will call on "anyone at all to come forward" with information.

Mrs. Geoghegan is also expected to speak on the shock of being told her son, 28 year old Shane Geoghegan had been shot dead just yards from his home.

"It is particularly poignant that the appeal goes out on the night of Munster V the All Blacks match," inspector Seamus Ruane said. "This was a particularly vicious crime which resulted in loss of life. No murder is acceptable but because of the sporting connection we would be expecting a big response from the public, no matter how insignificant they think the information is." Via Limerick Leader

Shane's cousin Garret Walsh will also appear on the program and refutes comments that Shane was “in the wrong place at the wrong time” saying,

"He wasn't in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was in the right place. He was walking home on a Saturday night 100 metres across the road. His life was interrupted”.

The appeal will also feature a reconstruction of the events leading up to the murder on Saturday 8th of November.

Crimecall airs tonight at 10.15pm on RTE 1.
Anybody with information can ring the programme’s confidential line on 1800 40 50 60.

Xmas lights to be switched on tonight

A big turnout is expected on Thomas Street this evening when New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu switches on the city's Christmas lights.

The main event of the evening is said to be the switching on the lights on a 21 meter high steel contraption that resembles a tree like shape which is located in the river Shannon.

A Radio report states the All black legend will dedicate the lights to the memory of Shane Geoghegan.

The event gets underway at 5pm this evening and will be hosted by Live95FM presenters Catriona Tierney and Mark Whelan.

AA Roadwatch:
Today and tomorrow, Thomas St and Catherine St will be closed each day from 9:30am until 7:30pm. Access to Anne St car park will be via Roches St only.

Last night members of the New Zealand team officially opened the new Munster Rugby Store and interactive museum at Thomond Park.

Meanwhile a litany of stars will be in attendance for tomorrow’s historic clash between Munster and New Zealand. Bono, Michael Flatley and Padraig Harrington along with Taoiseach Brian Cowen will be on hand to mark the 30th anniversary of the Munster victory over the All Blacks.

Off-licence convicted of selling alcohol to underage customers

The owner of a city off-licence has been fined €1,000 and ordered to shut shop for one day after he was convicted of selling alcohol to underage customers.

The Fine Wines outlet which is located at the Q Centre in Roxboro was convicted on two charges of selling intoxicating liquor to persons under 18 years of age which occurred on the 2nd of September 2007.

Alcohol was sold to two underage persons on that date and the store was fined €500 for both instances.

Judge Tom O`Donnell also ordered the outlet to close for one day on December 15th.

Channel 4 admits murder story inaccuracy

English broadcaster Channel 4 has been forced to apologise on air after it reported inaccurately that 16 people had died in gang related killings in the last year in Limerick.

The inaccuracy aired on Tuesday night last on satellite channel More4, as the broadcaster covered the brutal killing of innocent Limerick man Shane Geoghegan.

The channel was contacted by Laura Ryan of the Limerick Co-Ordination Office immediately following the airing of the report and an on air apology was promised.

In the apology which aired last night, the public-service broadcaster acknowledged it had inadvertently done a disservice to the people of Limerick saying,

“We suggested there had been 16 organised crime related murders in the city this year - well there haven't. That figure is actually an estimate for the entire country, and we're happy to make that clarification.”

The channel has also removed the story from their website however NewsWire managed to track down the video of the report which can be seen below.(They're still hosting it)
UPDATE: Not anymore, clip removed



On Tuesday a New Zealand Press Association report, in an attempt to explain to its rugby fans what is happening in Limerick stated that “Turf wars between the McCarthy-Dundon gang and the rival Keane/Collopy faction have intensified on Limerick's Kilteragh estate since late 2006.”

Also checkout this New Zealand Herald blog entry “The ugly side of Limerick”

Saturdays protest march cancelled

A planned march in memory of Shane Geoghegan tomorrow has been cancelled today.

Organisers say that due to circumstances beyond their control the planned march cannot go ahead this weekend.

They are instead asking people to remember Shane in their homes this Saturday afternoon. Via Limerick Leader

Protest march to take place on Saturday for Shane

A silent protest march will take place this weekend as Limerick people take a stand against criminal gang activity in the city.

The people of Limerick will take to the streets in solidarity with the family of murdered 28 year old Shane Geoghegan on Saturday afternoon in the march which is expected to start at 2pm.

The march will begin at Tait's Clock and is being organised by friends of the Geoghegan family.

The NewsWire blog implores everyone who can, to attend this march. More details on the march are expected to be released in the coming days.


‘We will hunt you down’
During statements in the Dail today regarding the murder of Shane Geoghegan, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said the full resources of the state were being utilised to track down the perpetrators of the heinous act adding that current legislation is adequate.

Limerick TD’s were on hand during the 90 minute debate to cast their criticisms of the current governments handling of the war on gangland.

Fine Gael TD Kieran O Donnell disputed Aherns statement by imploring the Government to give Limerick Gardai more resources and tougher legislation to work off. He also called for a greater use of Special criminal courts to deal with gangland criminals.

Michael Noonan TD a former Minister for Justice said he was confident that Mr. Geoghegans murders would be caught and the case solved,

"I am confident that the Gardaí will solve Shane Geoghegan's murder. The record of the Gardaí in Limerick is very good. They have solved almost all the gang murders in the city. It is no longer sufficient for the Government, however, to measure success in terms of the number of murders solved. These people are a threat to society.

The Dáil must acknowledge the threat and resolve to defeat it. We must acknowledge that known high-profile gangsters have the freedom of our cities. We must acknowledge that this is obscene and it must stop."

Gardai seize car during city raids

Gardai have carried out early morning raids on houses in the Hyde Road and Weston areas of the city as part of the investigation into the murder of Shane Geoghegan.

Gardai from across the city began the searches early this morning and have so far seized a ‘luxury car’ from one property.

The Limerick Leader newspaper reports the search teams, which consists of up to 100 Gardai are searching for the murder weapon that was used to kill Mr Geoghegan.

At least 20 houses were targeted in the raids which saw teams of Gardai searching gardens and buildings for any evidence of a murder weapon. The searches concentrated on properties used by the McCarthy Dundon gang and their associates.

Gardai also searched houses in Dublin and Cork as part of the investigation including a house in Cork which had been used by a man linked to the McCarthy Dundon gang.

Members of the Emergency Response Unit, the National Surveillance Unit along with local Limerick detectives were involved in the searches.

The searches began before sunrise.

Gardai detain gang member on committal warrant

Gardai arrested a senior member of a Limerick criminal gang Wednesday evening.

21 year old Gerard Dundon, a notorious member of the McCarthy Dundon gang was arrested on foot of a committal warrant.

In August Mr. Dundon was jailed for nine months after pleading guilty to three charges in relation to the possession of a false passport.

Meanwhile Gardai investigating the murder of Shane Geoghegan have raided some properties as part of their enquiries.

Gardai secured court warrants to carry out wide-scale house searches as the hunt for the killers intensified.

Search teams went through houses occupied by known associates of the McCarthyDundon gang who are suspected of the murder. While there were no arrests, some property was taken away for forensic examination.
Via Examiner

Thousands pay tribute to “Gentle Giant” Shane

The funeral of Shane Geoghegan has taken place in Limerick city today with thousands attending to pay their respects.

St. Joseph’s church was unable to accommodate the amount of mourners who attended the funeral mass of the 28 year old rugby star which was said by one of Shane’s secondary school teachers, Fr. Jim Maher.

The funeral was attended by Defence Minister Willie O’Dea ,Taoiseach Brian Cowens Aide de Camp as well as local councillors and local leaders. A litany of rugby stars were in attendance including members of The Irish rugby team and Munster rugby team, as well as former Irish rugby coach Eddie O'Sullivan.

Fr. Maher described the young man as a “gentle giant” during the service saying he hoped the shocking violence seen in Limerick will become a thing of the past.

“Hopefully Shanes death will mark a turning point in Limerick”, he said adding his hope that this “cycle of violence can be short-circuited and confined to history”.

As the church ceremony concluded, Shane’s brother Anthony recited a poem, Remember Me, which ended with the lines: “You can cherish his memory and live on. “You can cry, close your mind, be empty and turn your back. “Or you can do what he would want. “Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”
Via Examiner

As Shane Geoghegan’s coffin left the church, draped in the Garryowen flag, those gathered along O' Connell Avenue broke into spontaneous applause.

His body was buried this lunchtime at the Old Mungret Cemetery beside his sister Katie who died at the age of 11 from Leukaemia.

Shane Geoghagan to be laid to rest today

Motorists are being advised to expect delays and road closures as thousands of mourners are expected to attend the funeral of Shane Geoghagan this morning.

The funeral takes place at 11am in St Josephs Church on O’ Connell Ave. Following the mass the cortage will make its way to Mungret Cemetery.

Motorists are advised to expect a lot of extra traffic in the area as massive numbers are expected at the funeral.

Garda commissioner to visit Limerick

"The Garda Commissioner will get whatever he needs in terms of resources to take these murderers off our streets." - Justice Minister

As the investigation continues into the brutal and savage killing of 28 year old Shane Geoghegan, Gardai have told a local newspaper that they still do not have a definite suspect in the case.

Over 50 Garda detectives including members of the National bureau of criminal investigation have been assigned to the case since the murder early Sunday morning. CCTV from the area of the shooting is also being examined.

Meanwhile it has emerged Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy will visit Limerick today to see first hand the progress made in the murder investigation. While in Limerick it is expected he will meet the regional assistant commissioner Kevin Ludlow.

Following an earlier meeting with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern this morning, Commissioner Murphy reiterated his support for the work of the Limerick Gardai and he re stated his commitment to Limerick and its people.

Speaking following the meeting this morning Dermot Ahern described the killers as scum saying the murder was a despicable act carried out on a young man who was a leader both on and off the pitch.

A local radio report today stated the issue could be raised at this weeks government cabinet meeting.

NEW DETAILS
A Minute's-silence is to be held prior to the Ireland v New Zealand international in Croke Park this Saturday as a mark of respect.

Taoiseach, Justice Minister to meet Garda head following murder

Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Justice Minister Dermot Ahern and the Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy, will meet tomorrow over the murder of Shane Geoghegan, national media reported tonight.

A Government spokesman said the Taoiseach had asked the Justice Minister to bring one of his regular meetings with the Garda Commissioner forward following the shooting.

The meeting will take place in the Taoiseach's Office with the Taoiseach present.
Via RTE News

Meanwhile the Mayor of Limerick Cllr John Gilligan has set up books of condolences at city hall and county hall to be signed by the public which will be presented to the family of Shane Geoghegan.

The Limerick Leader has also launched an online book of condolences, Click here to sign that condolence book.

Funeral details have also been announced for Mr. Geoghegan. Requiem Mass in St. Joseph's Church, O'Connell Avenue, on Wednesday at 11am. Funeral afterwards to Mungret Cemetery.

TD: Geoghegan killers are “callous bastards”

Hunt begins for murderer of innocent rugby fanatic

"As long as people stay silent it makes our job particularly difficult." Gardai say

Reaction to the murder of innocent Limerick man Shane Geoghegan who was gunned down early Sunday morning by a hitman sent to kill a local drug supplier has been prominent in local and national papers today.

Speaking to the national Irish Examiner newspaper, local TD and personal friend of the victim, Niall Collins said,

“We played together with Garryowen. He qualified as a fitter and went abroad for a while. Shane was as sound a guy you could meet. Now the inevitable has happened with this feud — a fine person has been murdered. He is walking home and these fellows chase him and shoot him. They are callous bastards.”

Collins told the Limerick Leader that it was inevitable that it was going to happen saying,

"What has happened is the realisation of a lot of people's fears, because an innocent by-stander has been taken out in the crossfire. The gardai have told me that one of the biggest impediments (to tackling crime) is the right to silence. They could tell you what these people have for breakfast, but when they're asked to account for themselves, they stay schtum"

The 28 year old victim was the captain of Garryowen's third team. The clubs chairman, Ger Clarke said Shane was "the leader of the heart and soul of Garryowen" and said his team-mates and all members of the club were in shock and "deeply distressed" at the killing.

A Team-mate recounted fond memories to the Irish Independent today, describing celebrating their teams success with Shane last year,

”We had a great night in Bobby Byrne's and Anthony O'Dwyers' pubs in Wolfe Tone Street. He was a man you could always count on and was never found wanting on the field. He played a captain's role and winning the league was made all the more special with Gagsy as captain. What can you say? We are in bits about this. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

It’s now believed that up to 15 shots may have been fired at Shane Geoghegan as he left a friends house in Clonmore Kiltearagh to walk home and Gardai re iterate he had no involvement with criminal gangs in the city and was a completely innocent victim.

It’s understood the hitman who was sent there by a well known Southside crime gang, intended to kill a drug supplier of a rival gang but shot Mr. Geoghegan thinking he was the target.

Gardai think the gunman fled from the attack to a waiting dark-colored (blue or black) Renault Espace which reports say had been stolen a month ago and which was found burnt out in Rosbrien Sunday.

Funeral details
Requiem Mass will be held in St. Joseph's Church, O'Connell Avenue, on Wednesday at 11am. Funeral afterwards to Mungret Cemetery.

More Coverage
Gang savagery snuffs out the life of a rugby fanatic

Shock in Limerick at horrific case of 'mistaken identity'

‘Outrage of all outrages’

Man shot dead in Limerick

Shooting victim was “entirely innocent”

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was shot dead in Limerick overnight.

The alarm was raised around 1.30am this morning when residents of the Clonmore area of the Kiltearagh housing estate in Dooradoyle heard a number of gunshots and alerted Gardai.

The body of 28 year old Shane Geoghegan was discovered at the rear of a house in the estate following a subsequent search by Garda who had responded to the call. He sustained gunshot wounds to the back of his head. His body remained at the scene which was sealed off for most of the day while Gardai commenced door to door enquiries.

Following a technical examination by State Pathologist Dr. Marie Cassidy, the mans body was removed to the nearby Regional Hospital.

Reports say the 28 year old victim, an established rugby player with Garryowen and native of Dooradoyle was an entirely innocent victim and may have been the victim of mistaken identity.

A Garda spokesman said: "There was no apparent reason why he was targeted."A Garryowen club spokesman said the death of Shane, who captained the third team, was a tragedy.Local Fine Gael councillor Richard Butler said the community was stunned by the killing.
Via Breakingnews.ie

Gardai now believe Mr. Geoghegan was shot dead by a killer who intended to gun down a local drug dealer.

Mr. Geoghegan was visiting friends in the Clonmore estate to watch the Ireland vs Canada rugby match and was gunned down on his way home. National radio station NewsTalk reported Sunday night that at least two attackers were involved in the killing and may have left the scene in a getaway car.

In a statement to the media Sunday night, Superintendent Kevin Donoghue appealed for the publics help on details of the movements of a dark coloured Renault Espace car which was found burned out this morning in the Rosbrien. Gardai believe may have been used in Mr. Geoghegans killing.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any infromation they may have.

118 jobs confirmed lost at Flextronics plant

118 jobs will be lost at the Flextronics plant in Limerick by Christmas it was revealed Saturday.

SIPTU members working at the plant were told the news at a special meeting which was convened today. Initial reports this week said that a 100 of the 290 jobs at the plant were to be lost.

Local radio reports today said the cuts at the plant will begin in 2 weeks.

Meanwhile the Limerick Blogger reports 65 voluntary redundancies are being sought at the RR Donnelly plant in Raheen.

Limerick area under Tornado watch for Saturday

The Limerick area was placed under a reported Tornado Watch as a heavy bout of severe rain and wind moved into the region Saturday.

The Tornado and Storm Research Organization known as TORRO, have placed the Midwest along with most of southern Ireland under a Tornado watch from 11am Saturday until 1am Sunday the 9th of November.


The Independent and privately supported research body which is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on tornadoes and severe local storms said in an alert issued that “Tornadoes up to T3-4, wind gusts to 60mph, occasional CG lightning, hail” were all possible in the areas highlighted.

MORE DETAILS
There was no reported severe weather events in Limerick however there was a reported tornado in Waterford.