Nine connected to feud jailed in Limerick

Nine men convicted of charges relating to a “pitched battle” between members of Limerick feuding factions outside a family restaurant, have been jailed for a total of just over 38 years.

Four of the nine men, Patrick McCarthy (aged 32), Kieran Ryan (aged 20) Edward McCarthy (aged 24) and David Sheehan (aged 20), all with addresses in Limerick city, were jailed for six years each after being convicted by a jury of violent disorder outside Supermacs restaurant on the Ennis Road in Limerick city on May 27, 2003.

David McCarthy (aged 27), O’Callaghan Avenue, Kileely, Limerick was jailed for five years and three months after he also pleaded not guilty to the same charge..

Raymond Collopy (aged 34), St Ita’s Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick and Declan Sheehy (aged 37), St Brendan’s Street, St Mary’s Park, were jailed for two years and three years respectively after they pleaded guilty to violent disorder outside Supermacs on the same date.

Philip Collopy, (aged 24) St Ita’s Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick and Anthony Keane (aged 41) St Munchin’s Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick were both jailed for two years each after pleading guilty to the unlawful possession of a weapon.

Today’s sentences were handed down by Judge Carroll Moran at Limerick Circuit Court. Before passing sentence Judge Moran said he had to take into account garda evidence that all nine men were “heavily involved” in an ongoing Limerick feud which has led to the deaths of four people since the year 2000.

Judge Moran said the feud was the “most serious problem” in Limerick city and said it “has to stop”.