Gardaí yet to speak to shooting victim

Gardaí are waiting to interview a man who survived a second point blank assassination attempt in the space of a year.

However, it is believed Gerard O’Neill’s partner and their two children have relocated from the Dublin area for fear of being targeted by gunmen.

Mr O’Neill, 33, from Sheriff St Lower in Dublin’s north inner city was shot and injured by two gunmen, on a motorbike, just after 9.15pm on Tuesday. Bullets pierced the window of his silver C-reg 2004 Mercedes.

Despite being hit a number of times, including once in the head, he managed to speed away and seek help at the nearby Store St Garda Station.

Mr O’Neill, reported to be in a serious but stable condition at the Mater Hospital where he is under armed guard, escaped a similar shooting attempt in May 2012 while parked behind Ruby Finnegan’s pub in Ballyfermot.

At the time, he suffered serious bullet wounds to the arm and chest but was again able to drive away before seeking help at Cloverhill prison.

A man was subsequently arrested in relation to the 2012 shooting, before being released without charge.

A year earlier, in Feb 2011, Mr O’Neill was arrested after the Garda Organised Crime Unit seized €13,000 worth of cannabis in Straffan, Co Kildare.

He is scheduled to stand trial, later this year, at the Circuit Criminal Court. Mr O’Neill is currently facing charges of possessing drugs and possession with intent to supply.

* Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information to contact Store St station on 01 6668000, the Garda confidential line, 1800 666111, or any Garda station.