Bikers pay tribute to member gunned down in Limerick

By David Raleigh

A member of a motorcycle club has died after he was shot in a broad-daylight gun attack at a bikers' meeting in Co Limerick.

The 51-year-old member of the Road Tramps Motorcycle Club was shot in the head at Mountfune, Murroe, Co Limerick at around 3pm following a row between the victim and another biker.

The victim, known to fellow Road Tramp members as "Odd", is believed to have been gunned down with a shotgun.

He was rushed by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick but died from his injuries shortly before 5pm.

Gardaí at the scene in Murroe, Co. Limerick. Picture: Press 22

Members of the Road Tramps MC paid emotional tributes on their Facebook page.

"My brother odd gunned down today...Words cannot explain how gutted iam. My best mate Gone," said the club's Facebook page administrator.

Maggie Godfrey said: "A candle is lighting do you and your family and all Road Tramps MC Ireland, and your many friends missing you today Rest now and watch over your family."

Another club member, John Blue O' Shea said: "rip...ODD, our hearts are broken, one of my oldest friends..."

In a personal tribute, Lorna-Jean Omalley said she was "heartbroken".

"odd a true gentleman my southern comfort partner gone I can't believe it xxx," she added.

Ms Godfrey described the killing as "a waste" of "a long time friend".

Greg Daly from the Blue Angels MC said: "Our thoughts are with you and his family at this sad time Blue Angels MC".

Road Tramps MC Ireland, formerly known as Reapers MC Ireland, was founded in 1987.

According to its web page the club had recently entered into "an alliance" with three other motorcycle clubs.

The Alliance includes three motorcycle club chapters from Limerick, Cork and Tipperary including Road Tramps MC Ireland, Devils Disciples MC Ireland, Freewheelers MC Ireland, and Vikings MC Ireland.

"The club has gone through some changes over the past few months, which has brought about the formation of the Alliance Ireland. Relations and respect between ourselves and the other four MC Irish clubs, has strengthened and continues to grow," the web page says.

"We are proud to remain Road Tramps MC and are looking forward to the future in the Irish MC scene which is being developed by the Alliance Ireland for the Irish."

Philip O'Connor posted on the club's Facebook account: "Rest in peace Odd, thoughts with his family, the Road Tramps MC Ireland, the Alliance, I know your brothers will carry your name forever".

The club is believed to have recently marked the start of the summer by holding its annual Summer Party, which is held each May weekend at its club house in Murroe.

Gardaí said the scene of the shooting was preserved "pending a Garda Technical Investigation".

"The office of the State Pathologist has been notified," the Garda spokesman said.

Gardaí in Bruff are investigating the killing and have appealed for witnesses or anyone who may have any information to contact them on 062-382940, the Garda Confidential Line, on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

A post mortem is due to be carried out tomorrow.