Gardaí probe weekend shooting

GARDAÍ are continuing to piece together the background leading to a shooting and a serious assault in Robert’s Cove near Kinsale at the weekend.

Officers are seeking assistance from the public who may have been in the beach area between 2am and 6am on Sunday. The weapon, a legally held firearm belonging to a German national who has lived in Ireland for a number of years, was recovered at the scene.

A man from Cork City, who sustained stomach and hand injuries, remains in a comfortable condition in Cork University Hospital. The German national, believed to have been assaulted shortly after the shooting incident occurred, is also recovering in hospital.

Fine Gael county councillor Tim Lombard, who lives in the locality, said yesterday: “People are shocked that something like this could happen in a quiet, tranquil seaside area like Robert’s Cove.”

Supt Noel Galwey, heading the investigation, said inquiries are continuing. He said that gardaí were planning shortly to interview both men who were hospitalised.

“We have also interviewed a number of people who were in the area at the time,” he said, “but we would like to talk to others who may not yet have come forward.”

Supt Galwey said that there had been no arrests, to date. “The investigation is continuing,” he said.

Although a number of people were in the area in the early hours, Supt Galwey said preliminary investigations did not point to an organised beach party in the Robert’s Cove area.

It is believed a row broke out between a number of individuals after a person, who had allegedly been arrested on suspicion of a drink driving offence, returned to the scene.

Anyone who may assist gardaí can contact the Bandon station at 023 52200 or Kinsale at 021 4772302.