Gangland murder: gardaí play down ‘revenge’ theory

THE gangland murder of a young man in west Dublin may be linked to drug-dealing and was most likely not a revenge killing as has been widely speculated.

Detectives played down reports that Robbie O’Hanlon was murdered in revenge for the fatal shooting of Jonathan O’Reilly, in the same area in 2004.

Mr O’Hanlon, a 25-year-old father, was shot dead on Wednesday night in front of his teammates after they finished playing soccer at a sports club in Ronanstown, Clondalkin.

Garda sources last night said they were not ruling out a possible link with the O’Reilly murder in April 2004. But a number of detectives expressed doubt over the theory.

“That’s a long time ago. They’re hardly waiting this long to take their revenge. At this stage the link is only speculation, but we will look at it, along with everything else,” said a source.

Community sources in the area were also sceptical about the link and claimed Mr Hanlon’s had been involved in drug-dealing.

“I don’t think it’s because of the court case. I think it’s more current,” said a community source.

While Mr O’Hanlon had no convictions for drug-dealing, he had convictions for road traffic offences and assault causing harm, including one against his ex-girlfriend, with whom he had twins.

In that case, in 2004, he beat the woman around the head with a can opener, then beat her with a brush, before holding a knife against her throat and pinning her to a door. She only escaped when a wound he received when breaking into her house distracted him for a moment.

His murder is the third fatal shooting this year, all in the Clondalkin area.

However, gardaí consider it “unlikely” any are linked.

Mr O’Hanlon was from Arthur Griffith Park council estate in Lucan, west Dublin, but most recently lived at a modern new apartment complex, Parkwest Pointe, in Clondalkin.

Superintendent Pat Clavin of Ronanstown Station said the deceased had just finished playing soccer at the Dublin Sport and Leisure Club in Coldcut Road at 8pm when he was singled out and shot by at least one attacker, who was possibly wearing a balaclava.

He said there were a number of teammates who were near the deceased when he was shot. A large number of possible witnesses were in the area and he appealed to witnesses to ring Ronanstown Station at 01-6667712 or the confidential line on 1800 666 111.

Garda sources said the attackers “definitely knew” Mr O’Hanlon’s movements.

A local man said on RTÉ radio that he saw the body on the ground just after Mr O’Hanlon was shot.

“I saw him lying there. One person gave his name, everyone knew his name. One of his sisters heard and she sort of lost it, seeing her brother lying there. I don’t know how any family will get over it. There were kids aged eight and all looking.”

Wreaths with Liverpool tops and scarves were left at the sports club yesterday.