Man critically injured in gun attack outside Dublin gym

A 45-year-old man is recovering in hospital after being wounded in a gun attack in north county Dublin today.

The victim, named locally as Brian O’ Reilly, is understood to have been shot at least twice in the upper part of his body in his car outside a gym.

Gardaí were called to the scene of today’s shooting outside the Platinum gym in the Balrothery area, near Balbriggan, Dublin about 11am.

The Irish Times understands the victim was ambushed in what gardai believe was a “well-planned attack”.

According to sources, he was shot twice through the passenger window and as he exited the car in an effort to escape, shot once more. He had recently been warned his life was in danger.

Mr O' Reilly was taken to Beaumont Hospital for treatment and is in critical condition.

The gunman, who was described as having dark hair, approached his car as he drove into the premises and discharged a number of shots before making his getaway in either a white Nissan 200 SX or Toyota Supra.

The married father originally from Ballymun previously survived an attempt on his life when he was shot at in a pub in Bettystown, Co Meath in August 2010.

Investigators have preserved the scene for technical examination.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact the Balbriggan Garda station on (01) 8020510 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Mr O’ Reilly was a friend of Finglas gangland figure Eamon Dunne (34), who was shot dead in a pub in Cabra, Dublin in 2010.