Businessman shot four times by hitman still under armed guard in hospital

THE man shot last Thursday night at his home in Kilrush, Co Clare, received four bullet wounds and is still under armed guard at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick.

As gardaí mounted extra patrols in the area, Anthony Kelly, 46, a well-known West Clare businessman, was said to be in a comfortable condition. He is believed to have been the victim of a professional hit and locals are worried that the attack by a lone gunman will lead to more bloodshed.

Kilrush parish priest, Father Michael Sheedy, said: “there is a fear now that this will lead to more shootings in Kilrush. That is the big worry. Where will it end?”

A Limerick gang involved in the feud which has already led to the murders of Kieran Keane and brothers John and Eddie Ryan are suspected of ordering the shooting. The gunman fired a semi-automatic handgun through a rear window of Crag House, Mr Kelly’s luxury home, which is less than 200 metres from the local garda station. He was shot at eight times while making a cup of tea in the kitchen. He received four wounds to the chest and arm. The separated father-of-three was interviewed by gardaí at the weekend, but it is believed there has been no breakthrough in the hunt for the gunman.

Mr Kelly is known to the gardaí and in 1996 the Criminal Assets Bureau hit him with a tax demand for 1m following a major investigation.

Mr Kelly operates a warehouse business in Kilrush, selling furniture and hardware. He is also a former club captain of Kilrush rugby club.

“We are pursuing all avenues of inquiry in trying to establish a motive for the shooting which resulted in the victim receiving four bullet wounds,” said Superintendent Gerry Nyhan, who is leading the investigation.

“We are particularly anxious to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the town between 10pm and 12 midnight or saw any vehicles being driven at high speed between Kilrush and Ennis,” he added.

Gardaí believe the hit on Mr Kelly was an attempt to murder him.

Gardaí say the double-glazed kitchen window probably reduced the velocity of the four bullets. Mr Kelly was due to have further surgery last night to have the bullets removed. These, along with other bullets recovered from the scene, will be sent to the garda ballistic section in Dublin to ascertain if the gun was used in other shootings.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to telephone Kilrush Garda Station (065-9051017).