Up to five may have had role in killing of ex-Real IRA man

Gardaí investigating the murder of dissident republican Aidan O’Driscoll in Cork last week believe that up to five people may have involved in the killing and getaway effort.

A fresh appeal for information about four cars either used or linked to the death was made on Monday by Supt Mick Comyns, who is leading the investigation into the the murder of the Real IRA man.

Supt Comyns said two people were involved in the shooting of O'Driscoll (37) on the Old Commons Road in Blackpool last Wednesday but up to three others may have been involved in organising the getaway and destroying the cars used.

Supt Comyns asked anyone who may have seen a silver/grey Nissan Almera, registration 01 TS 1312, and a white Vauxhall Astra estate, registration 99 G 12357, to contact gardaí.

The Nissan and Vauxhall were both bought from legitimate sellers in cash transactions in Co Cork earlier this year by people using false names, gardaí have established.

They are also seeking information about a red Opel Astra and a black Toyota Avensis seen in Killeens near Blarney on December 7th.

Gardaí believe the killers parked and waited in the Nissan Almera on the Old Commons Road for more than 30 minutes before the shooting. It is believed that the car was in the Blackpool area from 2pm and may have been captured on dash cams on taxis were working in the locality that afternoon.

Two men approached O'Driscoll at about 4.55pm as he made his way from his work as a painter to Glen Heights in Balllyvolane, where he lived.

At least one of the men fired at O’Driscoll from close range with a handgun and hit him in the pelvis. He tried to flee but collapsed on the roadway where he was shot another three times in the back. He died later at Cork University Hospital while undergoing emergency surgery.

Witnesses

Gardaí believe the shooting was witnessed by a number of passersby but that not all of them have been in contact. Supt Comyns said investigators were very anxious to speak to anyone who saw the killing.

They believe the two men then got into the Nissan Almera, which was possibly driven by a third man, and left the area at speed – driving on to Great William O'Brien Street before turning right up Seminary Road on to Redemption Road.

The Nissan Almera was abandoned there and there was an attempt to burn it out before they were picked up by another person in the Vauxhall Astra, who may have been accompanied by another person as the killers were picked up.

Gardaí believe there may have been up to five men travelling in the Vauxhall as it drove to Monard, where an attempt was made to torch the car. It is believed the group may have left in a red Opel Astra that had been seen in the area earlier in the day along with a black Toyota Avensis.

Security is expected to be tight for the funeral of O’Driscoll, a father of two who was due to be married next year. He will be buried at St Catherine’s Cemetery, Kilcully, following requiem Mass at St Oliver’s Church, Dublin Hill, at 1pm on Thursday.