Man released in Limerick double shooting probe

A man questioned by gardaí in West Limerick in connection with a shooting at a housing estate which left a brother and sister wounded, has been released without charge.

A file is being prepared for the DPP following last week’s shotgun incident in Newcastle West.

Gerry Hennessy, 34, and his sister Colette were allowed home from hospital after being treated for gunshot wounds.

A masked man armed with a sawn-off shotgun opened fire when the Hennessys were standing near the family home in Castleview Estate at around 3.20pm last Thursday.

Mr Hennessy was treated for wounds to the upper body at Cork University Hospital and Ms Hennessy was treated for a hand wound at University Hospital Limerick.

Insp Brian O’Donovan said yesterday: “We are still looking for a man we want to interview in connection with the shooting.”

Mr Hennessy had returned from Spain in recent weeks. Prior to leaving Newcastle West about 10 years ago, he had been involved in an incident with two brothers, known to gardaí, in Newcastle West and Rathkeale.

Hours before the shooting, Mr Hennessy had appeared at a vacation sitting of Limerick District Court in relation to incidents alleged to have occurred prior to his departure for Spain.

Gardaí said they have not located the gun or the Saab car used in the attack.

The gunman was driven into Castleview estate shortly before the attack. He got out of the car when Gerry Hennessy appeared, walking on a footpath.