Three questioned after man shot dead

GARDAÍ were last night continuing to question three young men in relation to an incident that left a 21-year-old dead from shotgun wounds.

Investigators are believed to be inquiring into whether the death was a result of a tragic accident when a loaded, legally held shotgun was brought out during the course of a drunken party.

Shortly before 4am gardaí in Blanchardstown responded to a call from a house at Fortlawn Park in Clonsilla to find Christopher Emmet lying fatally wounded in the front room of his home. The young man’s mother, Lorraine, and stepfather had been on holiday in the Canary Islands and it is believed Mr Emmet was hosting a party when he received his fatal injuries.

Although the revellers had fled the house following the incident, two men, aged 18 and 23, were arrested a short time later in the vicinity of Fortlawn Park. They are being held at Finglas Garda Station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.

A third man, aged 24, was arrested yesterday in the Blanchardstown area. He is being held at Cabra Garda station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. The men can be held for up to 72 hours.

Garda Superintendent John Gilligan said; “We have people arrested but there’s a lot of work to do in this investigation yet to find out exactly what happened and who was involved.”

Mr Emmet, a father-of-two, had a leg amputated some years ago due to a stabbing incident. He was not known to gardaí and the incident is not being treated as gang related.

Mr Emmet’s body was removed from the scene yesterday afternoon. This followed an inspection of the scene by the state pathologist Marie Cassidy. She was delayed as she was investigating the death of Anthony Kelly, 31, in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

Gardaí said they are no longer looking for anyone in connection with Mr Kelly’s death, which occurred on Monday morning.

Mr Kelly, a native of Co Tyrone had been living in the town for the past few years.

Meanwhile, Mr Emmet’s mother and stepfather where last night travelling back to Ireland.

Local Socialist Party councillor Matthew Waine extended his sympathy to the victim’s family.

“This is a regular enough occurrence in some of the more neglected areas of the city but it really is shocking,” he said. “The Fortlawn area has suffered from antisocial behaviour, but there’s a very good community spirit and heart in it.

“It’s the communities and the families that are left to pick up the pieces.”

Labour Dublin West TD Joan Burton said she was shocked by the incident.

“Fortlawn Park is extremely quiet; it’s a very close-knit and friendly area,” she added.

“This is another tragic loss of a young life and my sympathy is with the family.”

Gardaí are appealing for any members of the public with information to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01-6667032