Senior gang figure released from prison
Another member of the gang, James Dillon, was recently jailed for life for the murder of Mr Collins.
Gardaí suspect that the gang leader released from prison at the weekend was involved in the planning of Mr Collins’ murder.
Meanwhile, the ERU (Emergency Response Unit) detective who received a serious face injury in a major arrest operation last Wednesday has been allowed home from the Mid-Western Regional Hospital.
The garda, who is from the midlands, was among a team of ERU and Armed Support Members who arrested three men and a woman after a high speed chase on the outskirts of Limerick.
A high power semi-automatic gun and ammunition was found in their car. Three men have since appeared in court charged under the Firearms Act.
The detective was rushed to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital where he underwent surgery for a wound to his face.
He received the wound when he was struck by the door of the car.
It is believed he had to receive up to 50 stitches.
Mayor Kevin Kiely visited the detective in hospital and presented him with a special civic medal.
Cllr Kiely said: “I thanked him on behalf of the people of Limerick for his great work and that of his Garda colleagues who are putting their lives at risk.”
