Progress ‘close’ in Connors probe

Gardaí investigating the gangland murder of Andy Connors are said to be "quietly confident" of making progress.

Detectives have been working non-stop since Mr Connors was gunned down in his own home at around 11pm on Tuesday.

The 45-year-old was shot a number of times in the chest at close range with a handgun in the hallway and the bedroom of his house, at Boherboy, in the Saggart area of south west Dublin.

His wife Anne and four of their children, as well as a niece — ranging in ages from eight to 15 — were in the house at the time and witnessed the aftermath.

Detectives are said to be “quietly confident” of making progress and are investigating a “good line of inquiry”.

Officers are examining a number of possible motives, several involving dissident republicans, namely the INLA. One of these relates to a reported assault carried out by Connors on a member of the terror outfit some months ago.

Another line of inquiry concerns a dispute over money involving a businessman who has links with organised crime.

Connors was a senior member in a notorious and wealthy criminal gang involved in burglaries across the country. Detectives are examining whether there was any falling out among members of the outfit.

Separate investigations are under way into any row Connors may have had with members of the Travelling community.

Connors, a settled Traveller, had attended, along with his wife, a wedding in Monasterevin, Co Kildare, earlier on Tuesday.

Officers suspect he might have been followed from there to his home. The killer entered the house through a door that had been left open.