BREAKING: Three men arrested over gun attack in Limerick

THREE men are in garda custody this Wednesday night in connection with a shooting on the outskirts of Rathkeale last month.

A garda spokesperson said gardaí are continuing to investigate a violent incident that occurred in the townland of Kilcoole, near Rathkeale, on Thursday evening, August 21.

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“Shortly after 6.30pm, gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle being rammed and an altercation in the area. During the incident, a firearm was discharged,” said a garda spokesperson.

A man, aged in his 40s, sustained injuries and was treated at University Hospital Limerick before being transferred to Cork University Hospital.

As part of this investigation, gardaí attached to the Crime Functional Area, Limerick conducted a planned operation in the Rathkeale area early this Wednesday morning. 

“During this operation, three individuals were arrested. All three are male, aged in their mid teens, 20s and 40s. 

“They are currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at Garda Stations in County Limerick,” said the garda spokesperson.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident on August 21 to come forward.

“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.

“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,” said the garda spokesperson.

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Separately, gardai in Limerick seized a large quantity of cash and a luxury jeep as part of follow-up enquiries into the shooting in Rathkeale at the beginning of September.

Limerick Live understands up to six houses in Rathkeale were raided by uniformed and plain clothes gardai, Regional Armed Support Unit and Regional Dog Unit.

A garda spokesperson confirmed gardaí executed a search under warrant at a domestic residence in Rathkeale on Monday, September 1.

“A quantity of cash has been seized as a result of the search,” said a garda spokesperson.

While the exact amount of cash hasn’t been disclosed for operational reasons, Limerick Live understands that it is a “significant” five-figure sum.

A total of four vehicles have also been seized during the searches including a high-end luxury Mercedes jeep.

“Investigations are ongoing,” said a garda spokesperson.

One local, who contacted the Leader after seeing all the garda activity in early September, said they were delighted to see the searches.

“There was an amount of guards there, big fellas with machine guns and they had dogs and all looking for stuff. They weren’t messing around. There’s been a few of these raids,” they said.

Minister of State Niall Collins praised gardai for the “significant seizures” of cash and vehicles.

“This will send a strong message to the minority in Rathkeale who are engaged in serious criminality. As a Minister of State in the Justice Department I want to acknowledge the actions of the gardai involved.

"It also re-enforces to the vast majority of good, law-abiding people in Rathkeale that actions have consequences and criminality will not be tolerated in their community. Rathkeale is a wonderful town to live and work in,” said Mr Collins.