Evidence found in Geoghegan murder probe

THE Garda chief heading the Shane Geoghegan murder investigation told a special sitting of Limerick District Court last night of new evidence gathered in the major probe.

Chief Superintendent Gerry Mahon said the results of a technical examination would be known within 24 hours.

The revelation came when he sought an extension of the arrest period of 10 people — five men and five women — arrested early on Tuesday in connection with what he described as one of the most significant investigations relating to the death of a person in Limerick in recent times.

Up to 100 armed gardaí mounted a huge security operation at the District Court when the 10 were questioned in connection with the murder of rugby player Shane Geoghegan on November 9 last.

Chief Supt Mahon told the court of the huge resources assigned to the murder investigation. He said 200 gardaí were initially assigned to the investigation and teams of detectives numbering 120 were now working on the case.

In granting detention extensions Judge Tom O’Donnell said it was a complex investigation and that it was being carried out in a diligent and expeditious manner.

Chief Supt Mahon said the investigation involved the examination of CCTV footage and ongoing forensic investigations.

Judge O’Donnell consented to the further detention of the accused people for a further 72 hours.