Man held in custody for biker’s murder

A man was brought before Limerick District Court yesterday charged with the murder of a motorcycle enthusiast last Saturday.

Alan McNamara, aged 48, of Mountfune, Murroe, Co Limerick was remanded in custody by Judge Marian O'Leary.

He was charged with the murder of Andrew O'Donoghue, aged 51, at Mountfune, Murroe on June 20.

Det Garda Niall Fitzgerald, Roxboro Road, gave evidence of charging Mr McNamara earlier yesterday.

He said when the charge was put to Mr McNamara, the accused replied: "I am sorry."

Mr McNamara was remanded in custody to the same court next Tuesday.

A second man, Robert Cusack, aged 25 of Abbington, Murroe was also remanded in custody charged with impeding a garda investigation, contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1997.

Det Garda Fergal Hanrahan said when charged, Mr Cusack replied: "Im sorry for my part in this."

He was remanded in custody until next Tuesday.

At a separate hearing in the same court, a man described as the best friend of the late Mr O'Donoghue was refused bail arising out of a gun attack the day after the murder.

Det Garda Barry O'Grady, said Dermot McKenna, aged 50, of 72 Hillview Park, St Patricks Road, Limerick was arrested and charged with reckless discharged of a firearm at an apartment complex at Dublin Road on Sunday last.

He is also charged with illegal possession of a firearm and criminal damage to the apartment.

Det Garda O'Grady said it was likely further more serious charges would be preferred against Mr McKenna.

He said it would be alleged Mr McKenna made certain stated that he lost the head after the murder of his best friend and went drinking all day.

He also stated Mr McKenna allegedly made admissions he had fired a shot at an apartment which he knew to be occupied by a member of a rival motor bike gang.

It was alleged evidence from CCTV at a number of locations near the apartment building had linked Mr McKenna to the scene of Sunday's shooting.

Det Garda O'Grady said the gardaí were objecting to bail as they fearing further serious offences would be committed.

Insp Ronan McDonagh said given the circumstances of an alleged feud, gardaí were objecting to bail.

He said the alleged feud led to two shooting incidents one day after another.

Judge O'Leary refused bail and remanded Mr McKenna in custody to the same court next Tuesday.