Shooting incident at late night beach party leaves two in hospital

TWO men were recovering in hospital last night after one was shot and the other beaten during an incident near Kinsale, Co Cork, early yesterday morning.

A garda investigation is underway into the incident at Robert’s Cove, which happened at around 2.15am.

It is understood a beach party was in full swing at the time and gardaí were on patrol in the area.

It is understood a German national was arrested for a drink driving offence in the area and was subsequently released.

He returned to Robert’s Cove and became involved in a row with a group of men close to the beach.

One shot was discharged from a legally-held shotgun and a man in his 30s was hit in the abdomen and in the hand.

The German, understood to be living locally and also in his 30s, was subsequently beaten.

He received serious injuries. Gardaí were alerted and were on the scene within minutes.

Both men were taken to Cork University Hospital where their injuries were described as not life threatening.

They were still recovering in hospital last night.

The area where the incident took place was sealed off for a technical examination and a number of cars were seized.

Superintendent Noel Galwey declined to comment last night on any other details and on whether or not arrests were imminent.

He appealed for witnesses to come forward.

“I would ask anyone who was in the Robert’s Cove area between 2am and 6am on Sunday morning and who noticed something to contact the gardaí at Kinsale 021-4772302 or Bandon 023-52200,” he said.

In a separate incident, a man was shot early yesterday morning as he was taking part in a road race event near Thurles, Co Tipperary.

The victim was driving his car when he became involved in a dispute with other people, and shots were fired into his vehicle.

The incident happened at the Horse and Jockey, an area near Thurles, at around 9.30am.

The man was taken to Thurles General Hospital, where his injuries were said not to be life threatening.

When gardaí arrived, there were about 20-30 people at the scene, all of whom seemed to be attending the event.

No arrests were made.

“A full investigation is underway and a number of vehicles were seized. Gardaí are following a definite line of inquiry,” said a garda spokeswoman.

She said anyone with information could ring Thurles Station on 0504-25100.