Garda launch Cork murder hunt

A MAN in his 40s was fatally shot in a Cork city suburb last night, in an attack which had all the hallmarks of a gangland hit.

The man was named locally as Gerard “Topper” Staunton, aged 41, originally from Kilkieran Close, Hollyhill, on the northside of the city. He was shot as he was getting into his car at an address at Westlawn, Wilton, shortly after 8.30pm. The victim, who was known to gardaí, was unemployed and lived at Wilton with his partner and one child. He was rushed to the nearby Cork University Hospital where he died a short time later.

An incident room was set up at Togher Garda HQ last night as a murder investigation, led by Supt Charles Barry, got under way.