A battle among a new generation of Real IRA members to control its drugs trade, racketeering, and money-laundering operations may have lead to the killing of dissident republican Aidan O’Driscoll, garda sources believe.

Now 25 years old, Belmont House at Cork’s Rathpeacon is “stylish, spacious and secluded,” says its selling agent Frank Walsh, of O’Mahony Walsh of this 2,800 sq ft home, on a site of 1.5 acres which includes a tennis court, and an elevated patio with views to Blarney Castle in the distance.

Done as a labour of love, this stone-faced house close to Cork City and Blarney was once a compact two-up, two-down cottage - but no more.