Execution-style shooting sparks gang warfare fears in capital
In the South city areas of Crumlin and Drimnagh, there have been four murders, three near-fatal shootings, and several other shootings and stabbings in the past year.
“We would be worried about the number of shootings. It definitely is a cause of concern and we’re looking for help from the public on each and every one of them,” said Superintendent John Manley, of Crumlin Station.
The latest victim, 18, was fighting for his life last night after being shot in the head as he walked to his home on Cooley Rd in Drimnagh.
He was just 50 yards from his home when a lone gunman walked up to him, put a handgun to his head and shot him at point-blank range.
Residents raised the alarm at 2.15am and the injured man was taken to St James Hospital, where his condition was described as critical.
The man has been named locally, but gardaí asked that his identity not be revealed.
Three men were arrested last night in connection with the incident.
Earlier this year, the victim’s brother was shot and wounded at the family home on Cooley Rd.
Detectives suspect that yesterday’s assassination attempt, and the previous shooting of the victim’s brother, may be linked to the murder last August of drug dealer Declan Gavin.
The victim’s brother is suspected of involvement in Gavin’s murder.
Gavin, 20, of Mourne Rd, Drimnagh, was stabbed to death outside Crumlin Shopping Centre following a seizure of drugs in March 2000.
He was one of three people arrested over the seizure of 635,000 worth of ecstasy and 950,000 worth of cocaine.
In February, Drimnagh men Philip Griffiths, 20, and Graham Whelan, 18, were sentenced to seven and six years jail respectively for their involvement.
Gardaí believe a local 21-year-old heroin dealer, with links to jailed 22-year-old drug boss Karl Dempsey, may have been responsible for yesterday’s attack.
This drug feud has been responsible for several gangland incidents in the Dublin 12 area in the past year.
Other feuds within and between drug gangs have also resulted in shootings and beatings in the area, including the death of Niall Hanlon, whose mutilated body was found in February.
Many of the other gangland incidents are part of a bloody dispute between the Irish National Liberation Army and a local criminal gang.
This feud stems from a gruesome fight between the two groups at Ballymount Industrial Estate, Walkinstown, in October 1999, in which 22-year-old INLA member Patrick Campbell was stabbed to death.
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to yesterday’s shooting to contact Crumlin Station at 01-6666200.
May 28, 2002: a 23-year-old minor criminal was shot in the face at his home on the Crumlin Road, possibly the result of a drugs feud. Amazingly, he escaped serious injury.
May 22, 2002: Criminal and neighbour from hell Derek Lodge murdered outside his home on Kilworth Road, Drimnagh. The 26-year-old died when a killer walked up to him casually with a sawn-off shotgun before shooting him.
March 17, 2002: The brother of yesterday’s victim was shot at his home on Cooley Road, Drimnagh. Gardaí suspect the shooting is connected to the murder of Declan Gavin last August.
February 9, 2002: The body of Niall Hanlon was discovered in the grounds of St Kevin’s College, off Clogher Road, Crumlin. The 22-year-old heroin addict and street dealer, from Downpatrick Road, Crumlin, had been stabbed to death. Top suspects include a local drugs boss and armed robber and a notorious gang in north west Dublin.
August 25, 2001: Drug dealer Declan Gavin, 20, Mourne Road, Drimnagh, stabbed to death outside Crumlin Shopping Centre.
He was the only one of three men who escaped charges following a substantial drug seizure in 2000. Rumours circulated he may have provided information to gardaí.
July 16, 2001: Senior crime boss Seamus ‘Shavo’ Hogan, a former crony of The General Martin Cahill, was shot dead outside the Transport Club on Clogher Road.
Gardaí suspect the 48-year-old from Balfe Road, Walkinstown, was killed by the IRA or other former members of the Cahill gang.
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