Going about their business in the shadow of gangland

Trying to live a normal life in the face of growing gangland threats, mid-west correspondent Jimmy Woulfe talks to families hit by Limerick’s bloody feud as it reaches its 10th anniversary.

PHIL TREACY is a hard-working businessman. He starts out on his delivery round every morning before 7am. The family bakery at Gillogue on the outskirts of Limerick produces confectionery products including cakes, tarts and buns. Everyday he can be seen in and out of shops, bars and restaurants delivering his products to customers.

But everywhere his van goes, he is shadowed by two heavily armed detectives in an unmarked garda car.

Mr Treacy has never been involved in crime but he is in danger of being targeted by the notorious McCarthy Dundon gang, for the simple reason that his wife has family links to the Keanes who form the opposing Keane Collopy faction. And one of his sons played a key role in the biggest blow delivered to the McCarthy Dundon gang seven years ago.

Phil Treacy has made it clear he will not be forced out of business and his daily delivery routine takes him through Ballinacurra Weston where the McCarthy Dundon faction are primarily based.

His son Daniel, 35, who worked in the bakery business with his father, was shot dead on his delivery round last February. The matter is still before the courts.

Another son, Owen Treacy was a key figure in the 2003 Kieran Keane murder trial and his evidence led to five members of the McCarthy Dundon gang being jailed for life for the murder of Kieran Keane.

The almost bizarre daily routine of a Limerick bakery delivery man is not unique.

Another businessman Steve Collins also has a full time armed garda escort travelling behind him when he sits into his car.

Steve’s son Roy, 35 was gunned down in cold blood at the family amusement arcade at Roxboro Shopping centre in April 2009.

He was targeted because his cousin Ryan Lee gave evidence which led to the jailing of McCarthy Dundon gang figure, Wayne Dundon.

Steve Collins now has to live life, looking over his shoulder.

He said: “We have three armed garda cars minding our family 24/7. There are also uniformed gardaí posted at the pub –The Steering Wheel next to the arcade where Roy was shot dead. My life is wrecked. I can’t change that and will need 24 hour protection. It’s like a life sentence: looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life.”

But he is encouraged that Limerick’s gangs are under more pressure today, 10 years after the bloody Limerick feud spiralled out of control with the murder of Eddie Ryan in the Moose bar.

Steve said last night: “I am very encouraged that the new anti-gang legislation is working. We are seeing people being taken off the street. The gangs are now on the back foot and nervous. Limerick is quiet. Nearly all the main players have been rounded up. There is only one out and he caused havoc recently when he returned briefly to the city. I am very encouraged that the new legislation is working.”

Under the new legislation, gang members can be tried before the non-jury special criminal court.

Eight Limerick men have been sent forward to that court for trial next March and all are in custody.

Unlike Dublin gangland killings and shootings which stem from a turf war for control of the huge drugs business there, the dynamics of the Limerick gang violence are different.

The two main gangs the McCarthy Dundons and the Keane Collopys are the main drugs players in the Limerick drugs scene.

But their territories are, to a great extent, defined.

The McCarthy Dundons operate primarily in the southside with their main base in Ballinacurra Weston and allies in Southill.

The Keane Collopys concentrate their operations on the north-side of the city from their base in St Mary’s Park (The Island Field) and Moyross.

However, the McCarthy Dundons have staked out a big slice of drugs scene in Moyross through a long standing ally there who was close to Eddie Ryan.

The violence stems from what a senior garda described some years ago as “a deep seated hatred”.

As well murders and other outrages this hatred often sparks confrontations on city streets and in particular near the courthouse.

In one incident a group of women from both sides waded into each other when they crossed paths when shopping in the city centre.

Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has given garda management in the city an open budget to use what every resources are necessary to tackle the gangs.

The policy has paid big dividends.

More than 100 gang members are serving long sentences and there are now only two known key players at large not serving a sentence.

And one is likely to face serious charges following a major garda operation during which he was arrested and a large quantity of drugs found.

Such is the shortage of gang foot soldiers, children are now often used to deliver or hide guns and drugs.

After 10 years of blood spilling, Limerick seems to be emerging from the kind of grip the gangs held in the city.

The gardaí are delivering very significant results through convictions and sentences handed down in the courts.

But it’s the Steve Collins’ and Phil Treacys of Limerick, resolutely going about their daily business who are the central bulwark in the fight against gangland thuggery.

Picture: Steve Collins, Limerick , whose son Roy was shot dead. Photo: Kieran Clancy