Six released after questioning over gangland murder

SIX people arrested in connection with a Limerick gangland murder have been released without charge.

The six, three males and three females — one aged 16 — were arrested during garda raids carried out in Ballinacurra Weston in connection with the murder of James Cronin, 20.

A file is being prepared for the DPP in relation to all six.

The body of James Cronin was found in a shallow grave on April 7.

He had been shot in the back of the head.

The discovery was made near Cals Park soccer ground a short distance from Ballinacurra Weston.

Mr Cronin was a known member of the McCarthy-Dundon gang and was suspected of being involved in the murder of Mark Moloney on April 5, who was shot dead near his home in Garryowen in the afternoon.

Gardaí suspect Cronin was murdered by members of his own gang who feared he would ‘name names’ if questioned in connection with the Mark Moloney murder.

His mother, Marie, is a former partner of Kilrush businessman Anthony Kelly, who was recently cleared of the murder of Limerick night club security man, Brian Fitzgerald.

James Cronin had been seen in the days prior to the Mark Moloney murder driving an armour-plated BMW 4x4 owned by a leading member of the McCarthy Dundon gang, which ordered his murder.