A man died early yesterday in Dublin city in what gardaí believe was the first gangland killing of this year. John Roche (24), who was known to gardaí, was shot on Military Road in Kilmainham just after midnight. He was originally from Drimnagh but had been living in Kilmainham.
Two women were arrested last night in relation to the shooting. They were held overnight at Kevin Street Garda station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
The shooting is thought to be linked to a four-year gangland feud which resulted in the deaths of two other men in 2001 and 2002, as well as a number of attempted murders and drive-by shootings. However, this is the first such death in several years.
Results of a postmortem are due this morning.
Witnesses reported hearing shots at about 12.20am yesterday. It is understood Mr Roche was shot twice in the body but other bullets were fired, one hitting the window of a nearby flat. A large black car was seen leaving the scene in the direction of Heuston railway station.
Witnesses said Mr Roche tried to run down the road towards Bow Bridge but collapsed in front of a pub. He was taken to St James's Hospital but died from his injuries at 3.30am.
Gardaí have carried out a series of house-to-house inquiries.
An incident room has been set up at Kilmainham Garda station and anyone with information is asked to contact (01) 666 9700.
Fine Gael justice spokesman Jim O'Keeffe said the shooting represented "a worrying recurrence of gangland-style killings, whereby summary justice is, in effect, being meted out on our streets". While the Minister for Justice was claiming that gangland crime was "dissipating", Mr O'Keeffe said this was clearly not the case.