Mayor appeals for calm as fears rise of retaliation for Cork death

Gardaí fear there will be retaliation attacks and that a family feud will intensify after the death of a man following a fight outside a Cork city bar, according to the Evening Echo newspaper.

Gerard Delaney, a 51-year-old grandfather from Mahon, Cork city, died from stab wounds and head trauma injuries sustained during a brawl which spilled out on to the streets from the Manhattan Bar on Lower Friar’s Walk in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Earlier in the night, members of the Delaney and the Crinnion families — who have been involved in a longstanding feud — exchanged words in the nearby Quirkie’s Bar. This is believed to have been the spark that led to the later brawl.

It is understood that tensions have been high between the families since Robert Crinnion was jailed last month for an attack on Mr Delaney’s brother, Finbarr, last February.

Sources say there are now real fears about retaliation attacks after the death of the father-of-two, who it is believed was never involved in the feud up to this point.

Lord Mayor Cllr Terry Shannon has appealed for people to keep the peace and let the Gardaí do their job.

Cllr Shannon said: "This is a tragedy but people must not get involved outside the law. Any witnesses or anyone with information should inform the gardaí."

Superintendent Charlie Barry, who is heading up the inquiry into the killing, has also urged people to act within the law.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Togher Garda Station on [phone] or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.