Two fatal shootings in three hours

GARDAÍ have launched separate murder investigations after two men were brutally murdered in gun attacks just hours apart.

In the latest gangland-style killing in Dublin, 22-year-old Dara McCormack was murdered just yards from his home in Blanchardstown shortly after 9.30pm on Saturday night. Gardaí believe he was killed because of a four-figure cocaine debt to a local drug gang.

Just three hours later, 60-year-old John Mahon was gunned down in front of his girlfriend in Fermoy, Co Cork. Mr Mahon, a self-employed painter decorator, became involved in a heated row with a man on Fermoy Bridge shortly after leaving Kerin’s Pub.

That man was described last night as in his late 40s or early 50s, about five foot eight or nine, with short grey hair and wearing a light green sleeveless top.

The father-of-five was then picked up by his girlfriend and driven home to 24 St Bernard’s Place, just off the Dublin road. They spent about 30 minutes talking in the car.

Mr Mahon got out of the car shortly after 12.30am. As he walked towards his home, he was approached by a gunman who opened fire. He was hit once outside his house.

The former boxing champion turned and ran around the corner of the terrace towards his sister’s house, at 11 St Bernard’s Place, which is about 150 yards away.

The gunman gave chase. Gardaí believe he was shot again outside the house. He collapsed in the driveway. The gunman then stood over him and fired a third shot into his body.

Mr Mahon’s girlfriend, who witnessed the attack, may have seen the gunman fire the fatal shot. Gardaí were waiting to interview her last night.

The gunman was last seen walking out of the estate towards the Dublin Road.

Mr Mahon’s shocked wife, Mary, visited the scene yesterday afternoon.

“Even though we were separated we were very close,” she said.

Ms Mahon, who was still wearing the wedding band her husband placed on her finger 42 years ago next month, said they had a cordial relationship.

“He was totally harmless. I’m wondering what he would have to have done so bad to have somebody cold-bloodedly murder him.”

His son, Johnny, 36, said although his mother and father were separated, the family remained very close.

“He was a very straight man. If he believed in something he would stand up for it. Obviously he stood up for something too much.”

Meanwhile, two people were still being questioned by gardaí last night in connection with the shooting in Dublin. The family of Dara McCormack said they knew who killed their son.

The construction worker left his two-storey home in Whitestown Park, Blanchardstown, after 8pm. Later that evening, a youth cycled by the house informing the family Dara had been shot just yards from their door.

The third-eldest of seven siblings, Mr McCormack was rushed to the James Connolly memorial hospital nearby but died just after an hour and a half.

Speaking outside the family home yesterday, Dara’s father, Thomas, hit out at any rumours about his son. He said he son was hard working.

“He was in the gym every day of the week. He only finished work on Saturday evening after getting a sub of 50 from his boss.”

The McCormacks believe a local feud led to the 22-year-old’s death. His father admitted there had been “an incident” last week. According to reports yesterday, Dara was attacked by a gang with machetes.

It was believed any disagreement was resolved.

His sister Aisling, who only turned 18 last week, said her brother had been a “good guy.” One of the last messages she had from him was on her birthday when he sent her a text message which said ‘I love you sis, Happy Birthday’.

A man and a woman were still being questioned by gardaí about the killing last night. They were arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning and brought to Blanchardstown Garda Station for questioning.

They are being held under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.