Man found in shallow grave was shot, say gardaí

A man whose body was found in a shallow grave in Limerick yesterday died from a gunshot wound, gardaí said.

The body of James Cronin, 20, of Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick, was found in Caledonian Park on Hyde Road yesterday morning. He had been missing since Saturday.

A post mortem was carried out on Mr Cronin’s body this afternoon by State pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy.

A garda spokesman said: “It has been established that his death was caused by a gunshot wound.”

He added: “The incident remains under investigation.”

Gardaí believe the man was shot in a gangland dispute linked to the killing of 40-year-old Mark Moloney in the Garryowen area of the city on Saturday afternoon.

The shallow grave containing the body was found by gardaí at about midday yesterday on waste ground close to the Caledonian Park area.

Gardaí were searching the area for guns used in two shootings in the city on Saturday.

Officers found a machine pistol, a semi-automatic handgun and ammunition in the search.