One of the alleged 'leading instigators' in ongoing Limerick feud is named in court

GARDAI alleged a Limerick man charged in connection with a drive-by shooting is one of the “leading instigators” in an ongoing feud in the city, during a contested bail application.

Shane Blackhall, aged 20, of Mungret Court, Watergate, Limerick city, appeared before Judge Patricia Harney in Limerick District Court this Tuesday.

Detective Garda Seamus Murphy told the court he charged Mr Blackhall on Monday, June 16 with one count of possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances on January 6, 2025. 

The detective said he also charged the accused with unlawfully taking a blue Volkswagen car, which gardai allege was used in the shooting on January 6.

Mr Blackhall was also charged with possession of €26,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply, and possession of cannabis. Det Garda Murphy alleged the drugs were found in Mr Blackhall’s home when gardai searched it as part of investigations into the shooting.

READ MORE: Limerick teenager is 'actively involved' in an ongoing 'violent feud' in the city, gardai allege

Det Garda Murphy told the court that at 6.34pm on January 6, gardai responded to reports of a shooting at Hyde Avenue, Limerick city, and discovered a stolen Volkswagen car abandoned and damaged after it had struck a lamp post.

Gardai found bullet casings inside the car and at various points along Hyde Avenue, the court heard.

Det Garda Murphy said that forensic analysis of the bullet casings showed they were 9mm Luger ammunition, and alleged that they were “all fired from the same weapon”.

Det Garda Murphy said investigating gardai believe that a “Glock, semi-automatic” firearm was used in the gun attack.

The detective said gardai had harvested CCTV footage showing the stolen Volkswagen on Hyde Avenue and alleged it “slowed” as it came to houses, and "a number of shots were discharged” from the car.

Det Garda Murphy further alleged the CCTV footage shows the car “traveling at speed” away from the location, the car crashing at Ashbourne Avenue and two individuals fleeing the vehicle.

The detective alleged that a subsequent forensic examination of the Volkswagen car had resulted in the discovery of DNA on the car’s driver-side airbag, which he alleged was a match for Mr Blackhall’s DNA.

Det Garda Murphy said further more serious charges against Mr Blackhall were anticipated in connection with the  investigation.

The detective objected to bail, on behalf of the State, due to the “seriousness of the charges, and the strength and nature of the evidence”.

Det Garda Murphy alleged: “The accused was actively involved in an ongoing feud on the southside of Limerick city at the time of his arrest and the commission of the offences for which he is currently charged with.”

“Gardai believe these offences were committed as part of this feud and the accused was one of the main instigators.

“I believe that if he (Mr Blackhall) is granted bail, he will again become involved in this feud and will pose a serious and active threat to homeowners and members of the public,” alleged Det Garda Murphy, who further alleged that serious weaponry had been used in the feud and that gardai were concerned about the risk to public safety.

Sarah Ryan, solicitor for Mr Blackhall during the contested bail application, said her client would abide by whatever bail conditions the court decided.

Det Garda Murphy alleged: “I do not believe that there are any bail conditions which would be applied that could prevent further similar crimes by the accused.

“It is my belief that, if granted bail, there will be further serious offences committed by the accused, up to the risk of further property being damaged, including loss of life and serious injury.”

Judge Patricia Harney, presiding, said she believed Det Garda Murphy’s evidence was “well- founded” and “should be accepted”. The judge refused to grant bail to Mr Blackhall.

The judge remanded Mr Blackhall in custody to appear before Limerick District Court on June 24 for DPP’s directions.