Gangland shooting shocks rural pub

THE victim of a gangland-style shooting managed to disarm his attacker despite having been shot at least once, it emerged yesterday.

The gunman was forced to flee, leaving his weapon at the scene providing gardaí with forensic and ballistic evidence that could prove crucial.

The dramatic incident happened at a pub in Duleek, Co Meath, shortly before 11pm on Wednesday.

The target of the attempted murder was sitting having a drink when he was singled out by his assassin.

The gunman opened fire a number of times hitting the victim at least once.

“A 28 year-old man was shot and injured when a man carrying a handgun entered the premises around 10.55pm. The culprit fired a number of shots at the victim,” said a garda spokesman.

The spokesman said the culprit left the scene in a 4-wheel SUV-type vehicle, driven by an accomplice - leaving behind a loaded firearm.

Local garda sources confirmed that the firearm was been left behind after the injured party managed to fight back.

“There was a struggle between the attacker and the injured party, who had been shot in the stomach,” said a garda source.

“He had a go at his attacker, his gun was forced off him and [the attacker] fled in panic, leaving the gun behind him.”

Stunned locals in the quiet country pub watched in shock at the shooting and the scuffle.

The victim was brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for treatment. Gardaí last night said the man was in a stable condition.

Experts from the Garda Technical Unit conducted an examination at the scene yesterday. They also began examining the handgun for forensic and ballistic evidence.

As a matter of course, gardaí will investigate any possible connections with recent shootings in Dublin.

Gardaí from Navan are investigating and anybody with information should contact them at 046-9079930 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666-111.

Meanwhile, two men were released from custody late on Wednesday night after being held in connection with the gangland murder of Shea Bradley in Cabra, north Dublin last February.

The youths, both aged 21, were arrested along with a 22-year-old-woman and a 17-year-old male on Monday. The woman and the juvenile were released during the week.

A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.