Limerick shooting victim remains in hospital over a week after gun attack

A MAN SHOT in County Limerick last week remains in the care of University Hospital Limerick this Friday, the Limerick Leader has learned. 

Gardai have launched a major investigation into a violent incident that occurred in Rathkeale on Thursday evening of last week, August 21.

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A garda spokesperson said gardaí and emergency services received a report of a vehicle being rammed and an altercation that occurred in the townland of Kilcoole, near Rathkeale shortly after 6.30pm.

“A firearm was discharged during the altercation. A man, aged in his 40s, was transferred to University Hospital Limerick for treatment of injuries, not believed to be life-threatening at this time,” said a garda spokesperson.

The scene was preserved for technical examination.

It is believed that the victim was shot in the hip or stomach area. A large crowd of family members gathered at the hospital on Thursday night. He was still in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries as of this Friday the Leader has learned.

The background to the incident is not known at this time. However, it has been established that it is not connected to a “targeted attack” in a pub in West Limerick over a week earlier on Sunday, August 10.

A gang of men armed with knives and bottles of what is believed to be chemicals burst into a licensed premises. It is thought they were looking for one person in the bar. However, this man fled the scene on foot and made good his escape. The background to the incident is not known.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the shooting incident to contact them.

“Any road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the Kilcoole and greater Rathkeale areas between 6:15pm and 7:30pm on Thursday, August 21 are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí,” said a garda spokesperson.

The shooting took place in a rural area colloquially known as ‘Stoney man’ due to the carved limestone figure of Vulcan, the god of the smith. 

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. “Investigations are ongoing,” said a spokesperson.