Fears of more shootings after pub killing

GARDAÍ are fearful of a further escalation in gangland shootings in Dublin after a drugs criminal was shot dead in a crowded pub in Finglas on Saturday evening.

Paul “Farmer” Martin, 39, was gunned down as he sat drinking in the Jolly Toper pub at about 6.30pm.

Witnesses reported seeing two men in balaclavas with handguns walking into the upstairs bar of the pub and singling out Martin. A 33-year-old man in his company was also shot during the attack, although it is unclear if he was an intended victim.

Both men were brought by ambulance to the Mater Hospital but Martin was pronounced dead shortly before 8pm on Saturday. The other victim underwent surgery and last night was reported to be in a stable condition, which is not believed to be life-threatening.

Martin, of Kippure Park, Finglas, was a notorious drug dealer and may have been aware that his life was under threat as his name was linked to a number of gangland killings in recent years.

Gardaí issued an appeal for anyone who was in the Jolly Toper or in the general area at the time of the incident to come forward with information. It is understood the pub was packed with mourners who had earlier attended the funeral of a local youth.

Witnesses reported seeing Martin being shot at point-blank range a number of times in the back of the head.

“He tried to run away but he had no chance. They chased him and he dived across tables. But they had him on the ground and pumped bullets into him,” said one witness.

It is believed the two assassins made their getaway in a dark-coloured vehicle driven by an accomplice, which was parked outside the pub on Church Street.

Gardaí later discovered the car they believe was used in the attack a short distance away. It is being examined by Garda forensic experts for evidence.

The Jolly Toper was closed yesterday as members of the Garda Technical Bureau carried out a forensic examination of the scene. A section of Church Street was closed off as gardaí searched for clues that would help identify Martin’s killers.

Superintendent John Harnett, who is leading the murder investigation, said it was still too early to know if there was a specific motive for Martin’s killing.

State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy, was due to carry out a postmortem examination on Martin’s body last night.

Meanwhile, politicians in the Spanish resort of Marbella have demanded the creation of an anti-mafia crime-fighting unit after two shootings in 48 hours.

Irish drugs boss Peter ‘Fatso’ Mitchell survived an assassination attempt last Thursday night in Puerto Banus near Marbella.

A British man was shot in the leg on Saturday after a fight between two rival gangs at a nearby nightclub.