Gunshot fired from moving car linked to escalating feud between Limerick and Cork families

A GUNSHOT discharged from a moving car on Wednesday evening is the third incident in an escalating feud between two families from Patrickswell and Charleville, Limerick Live can reveal.

To date, a 12-year-old girl has required surgery after suffering serious head injuries and a man, aged in his 20s, received a severe laceration to a hand during a machete attack.

A garda spokesperson said at approximately 7.20pm on the N20 between Charleville and O'Rourke's Cross, Co. Limerick two vehicles were travelling in the direction of Limerick.

"A firearm was discharged from one of the vehicles in the direction of the second vehicle. Gardaí have received no reports of any persons injured, at this time.

"Investigations into all the circumstances of this incident are ongoing at Bruff Garda Station," said the garda spokesperson.

Limerick Live has learned the weapon used was a shotgun and the person who pulled the trigger failed to hit the other vehicle.

READ MORE: Machete attack on Limerick home linked to ‘obscene’ Charleville incident

It is not known what originally sparked the feud between the Limerick and Cork families as there is no history of trouble between them.

The first attack that took place was an aggravated burglary in Lisheen Park, Patrickswell at 7am on Friday morning, August 9. It is understood the perpetrators were armed with slash hooks and the male victim received a severe laceration to a hand. He was taken to University Hospital Limerick for treatment.

The Charleville incident occurred 10 days later on Monday, August 19 at around 11.30pm at a property at Newline. 

It is believed the girl sustained the injury when an implement came through the front door when the masked raiders were trying to burst their way into the family home.

The young girl was taken to Cork University Hospital with serious head injuries, it is believed, before she was transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital for surgery. She is now reportedly “doing well”.

READ MORE: BREAKING: Gunshot fired from moving car on main Limerick-Cork road

Authorities hoped that “common sense would prevail” after a little girl was injured. However, the feud escalated further on Wednesday night with a gunshot discharged from a vehicle.

Gardai from Roxboro, Charleville and Bruff are now investigating the three incidents. 

Anybody who may have information on the crimes is asked to contact gardai or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.