Man shot dead had been target of drugs gang

A 43-year-old Limerick security man shot dead near his home early on Friday morning had previously been intimidated by a drugs gang, gardaí revealed last night.

As the murder hunt for the killers of father of two, Brian Fitzgerald, of Brookhaven Walk, Corbally, intensifies, gardai have confirmed that shots were fired at the victim’s home a year ago. A number of people were questioned, but Mr Fitzgerald recently withdrew a statement he had made in order to protect his family.

“We are making good progress in our investigations into this callous and brutal killing and we are getting great co-operation from the public. Our whole focus is to bring those responsible to justice as quickly as possible,’’ said Supt Willie Keane of Henry Street Station, who is leading the murder hunt.

Gardai are following a number of lines of inquiry, including the activities of known criminals and drug pushers.

A post mortem carried out on the 34-year-old by State Pathologist, Dr John Harbison, at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital revealed that Mr Fitzgerald died from multiple gunshot wounds.

One theory being pursued by the gardai is that Mr Fitzgerald, who worked as a security man at the Doc’s nightclub, may have been targeted by a drugs gang for stopping drugs being distributed in the nightclub on Michael Street.

Doc’s restaurant and nightclub was closed for the weekend as a mark of respect to the deceased.

Mr Fitzgerald, described by friends and working colleagues as a “kind family man and a man of great principle’’, is survived by his wife, Alice, and two sons, Aaron, 6, and 18-month-old Evan.

He was accosted by two armed men as he drove into his driveway home from work at 3.50 am. Fearing for his life he attempted to get away, but was shot dead by a semi-automatic weapon in the driveway of another house down the road.

Gardai believe one of the killers was wearing a motorcycle helmet and are seeking information about a motorcycle seen parked in the Mill Road between 3 am and 4.30 am. It was later found partially burned on the Dublin Road. This is being examined by forensic experts for any clues as to the identity of the killers.

The brutal killing has shocked the residents living in the normally quiet cul-de-sac housing estate off the Mill Road in Corballjy. Mr Fitzgerald was a keen rugby fan and a member of St Mary’s rugby club.

Large crowds last night attended his removal from Cross’s Funeral Home to St Mary’s Church, Athlunkard Street.

The funeral will take place to Mount St Oliver Cemetery following 11 am Requiem Mass today.