Cowen to meet Garda chief
The commissioner and Justice Minister Dermot Ahern will meet with Mr Cowen in Government Buildings this morning to discuss the issue.
It follows public outcry over the killing of Mr Geoghegan, who was shot dead by one of the feuding drugs gangs in Limerick, who mistook him for a rival drug dealer. However, the Government has rejected suggestions that tough new legislation is required to combat the gangs.
Fine Gael Limerick East TD and former justice minister Michael Noonan called for the introduction of legislation similar to that brought in to tackle the IRA.
“I think the Government needs to examine the possibility of introducing a new crime of being a member of a criminal gang, along the lines of the crime that was so effective against the IRA: being a member of a [proscribed] organisation.”
Mr Ahern said no new legislation was required. “I’ve spoken with the Garda commissioner on a number of occasions today and he accepts that he has all the available resources necessary [and] he accepts that he has all the necessary legislation.”
Meanwhile, a priest who met and prayed with the family of Mr Geoghegan last night spoke of their total devastation. Fr Eugene Boyce, CC of St Paul’s parish in Dooradoyle, said: “I met with Shane’s mother, Mary, and brother, Anthony, for about 20 minutes when I called to offer my condolences and see if I could help in any way.
“They are totally devastated after what has happened. Mary did not want to say much and welcomed me and we said a brief prayer.”
Mary and Tom Geoghegan’s only daughter, Kate, died from leukaemia aged 12.
Shane was shot dead near his home at Kilteragh in Dooradoyle at about 1.30am. He was returning home after watching the Ireland-Canada game with friends. Some months ago he got engaged to his fiance, Jenna, from Waterford.
A postmortem by state pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy, found he had suffered multiple bullet wounds.
A known drugs importer who moved into the estate was the intended target in the attack carried out by the McCarthy-Dundon gang.
The intended target escaped another murder attempt in August 2006 when up to 20 shots were fired at him as he entered his house at Kilteragh. Garda sources said yesterday this man has not left the city.
Last night, Shane Geoghegan’s coffin was brought to his mother’s house, also in Kilteragh estate. His remains will lie in repose all of today.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated tomorrow at St Joseph’s Church and he will be laid to rest in Mungret Cemetery.
Many senior figures from his rugby club, Garryowen, where Mr Geoghehan captained the third team, were among those who called to offer their sympathy last night. Members of the third squad walked from the Garryowen grounds to the family home, less than a hundred yards away, in a poignant tribute to their captain.
Supt Frank O’Brien, who is leading the investigation, said the forensic examination of the scene had been completed and the technical bureau were working on a burned-out Renault Espace found in Rosbrien, which may have been used in the murder.
A book of condolences was opened at City Hall by Mayor John Gilligan who said: “Limerick is united with revulsion at what has happened.”
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