A feud in Limerick has escalated since the gangland murder of Moyross man Frankie Ryan three weeks ago, a senior garda warned at a special sitting of Limerick District Court.
Det Garda Séamus Nolan was giving evidence in the case of two juveniles and a 20-year-old Limerick man who were brought before the court last night on charges connected to a weapons seizure in Delmege Park, Moyross on Tuesday evening.
A 16-year-old - who cannot be named for legal reasons - was charged with possession of a Ruger Magnum firearm for an unlawful purpose at an address in Delmege Park on October 10th last.
A 17-year-old - who also cannot be named for legal reasons - was charged with possession of a Desert Eagle handgun and 10 rounds of .9mm ammunition for an unlawful purpose at the same location.
Gary Kelly (20), Delmege Park, Moyross, was charged with possession of 34 rounds of different types of ammunition and possession of 11 shotgun cartridges also at the same location.
The State objected to bail applications made on behalf of each of the accused.
It cited the seriousness of the charges and the possibility that the accused men might continue to involve themselves in the ongoing feud.
When called to give evidence on behalf of the State, Det Garda Nolan revealed that gardaí have recovered a total of 13 firearms, a substantial amount of ammunition and a hand grenade during searches in Moyross in the past three weeks.
The garda witness said there had been an escalation of gun related activity in Moyross since the murder of Frankie Ryan three weeks ago.
Det Garda Nolan said Mr Ryan's murder had resulted in the separation of two gangs.
The detective said the rival groups have begun to shoot at each other in a planned and systematic series of attacks which have taken the form of "tit-for-tat shootings".
Some people, he said, have been injured in these attacks, while others were "lucky to escape with their lives".
"Rather than abating, this feud is escalating," said Det Garda Nolan.
Judge Tom O'Donnell refused bail in all three cases and remanded the two juveniles in custody to St Patrick's Institution until October 18th next.
Mr Kelly was remanded in custody to Limerick Prison until the same date.