Man jailed for Limerick hit-and-run that is linked to 'very violent ongoing feud'

A MAN has been sent to prison following his involvement in a “feud-related incident” in Limerick city.

Michael Shannon, aged 31, of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, appeared before Limerick Circuit Court after pleading guilty to producing a weapon during the course of a dispute and affray.

These charges arose from an incident which took place on April 30, 2024, at Hyde Road in the city.

Judge Colin Daly was informed that on this date, at approximately 5:20pm, gardai received a report regarding a disturbance in this area.

Upon arriving, they observed a man, referred to in court as Mr X, standing outside a property with blood on his face. He did not wish to speak with gardai.

Sergeant Eoin Dillon confirmed that CCTV footage was then obtained and showed a grey Nissan Qashqai stopping at a pedestrian crossing.

A number of people were seen exiting the vehicle and confronting two people walking- one of which was Mr X.

Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan said an altercation took place as traffic stood “at a standstill.”

The footage then showed Michael Shannon getting out of the driver’s seat with a metal bar. It was heard that he raised this implement towards the two individuals.

A short time later, after getting back into the car alone and attempting to drive away, the windscreen was then struck and smashed by Mr X.

Mr Shannon is then seen on CCTV driving away in a “reckless manner.”

Limerick Circuit Court was then informed that as Mr X began walking to a house, with an implement still in hand, the defendant then drove towards the victim “with speed” and struck him.

Judge Daly heard that Mr Shannon mounted a footpath and struck another vehicle during this incident. He also attempted to chase after Mr X following this, before getting back into the car and driving off on the wrong side of the road.

Mr Shannon, who has a number of previous convictions, was arrested and the vehicle was later found in Newport, Co Tipperary.

It was Sgt Dillon’s view that these events were part of a “very violent ongoing feud" amongst two families in the locality.

In mitigation, defence barrister Donal Cronin said his client has not come to garda attention since this incident took place and stated that Mr Shannon is not facing any feud-related charges.

Mr Cronin also put it to the court that the defendant is not linked to any feud activity whatsoever and that this was a “one of one incident.”

He said that Mr Shannon apologises “for his conduct” on the evening of April 30, 2024, that he knew his actions were wrong but became “emotional and overreacted” when the car he was driving got damaged.

The Circuit Court heard that the defendant has since made peace with the family involved and has adhered to his bail conditions.

Describing his client as a “family man,” the barrister told Judge Daly that Mr Shannon is employed, is in a relationship and has children.

In sentencing, the judge said that Michael Shannon went out with accomplices and “attacked” others in a “feud-related incident.” He stated that the defendant driving off and then subsequently going on to strike Mr X adds more culpability to his case.

Judge Daly did acknowledge that the victim was involved in the affray offence but was injured after being hit by the Nissan Qashqai. He later received medical attention.

The judge went on to inform the court that he “doesn’t accept” that this was a separate incident and not related to an ongoing feud.

Taking into account the strong evidence, guilty pleas, compliance with bail conditions, previous convictions, family situation and work history, Michael Shannon was sentenced to two years and three months’ imprisonment on both charges.

These sentences will run concurrently, meaning Mr Shannon will serve both at the same time.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.