Victim of Balbriggan shooting may have been part of ongoing feud

It has emerged the man shot dead in north Dublin this morning was due to stand trial for a violent brawl outside the local school last November.

The victim, a member of the Travelling community, was gunned down after dropping his child off in Balbriggan at around 9am.

The man, who is in his 30s, died on a footpath on Clonard Street after being shot several times by a masked gunman just moments after dropping his child off at St. Peter and Paul NS, which is just around the corner.

His partner was shot in the leg and is being treated in hospital.

The man's body was removed from the scene at lunchtime and a post mortem is due to get underway.

One line of enquiry being pursued by Gardaí investigating his murder is that he was targeted as part of an ongoing feud in the area.

Only last week, the victim was sent forward for trial charged with violent disorder, criminal damage and endangerment arising from a brawl outside the same school last November and this is being considered as one of many possible motives.

The man's car has been taken away for tests as well as a burnt out Ford Focus that was found nearby shortly after this morning's attack.

Anyone with information is asked to come forward or contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.