Mystery solved over sound of gunshots in Limerick city overnight
RESIDENTS in Limerick city were alerted to the sound of a barrage of gunfire overnight.
Those living near the northern banks of the River Shannon were left perplexed by the sounds of gunshots coming from the historic Cleeve's site.
Some took to social media in a bid to ascertain the reason for the gunfire.
Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Irish Defence Forces have confirmed to Limerick Live that they were conducting a "military training exercise" at the historic Cleeve's Quarter Site after midnight and into the early hours of this Friday morning.
"This was a military training exercise that was being conducted by our Cadet School to test students on military operations in urban terrain," a spokeswoman for the Irish Defence Forces stated.
Residents passing by the entrance to the historic Cleeve's site reported a large military presence, and the firing of what sounded like live ammunition. One person wrote: "Definitely machine gun fire. The poor Ukrainian families living in the city centre hotels."
One person reported that the gunfire could be heard until 4am in the morning, while another said: "We had no warning. My poor elderly neighbours."
The Irish Defence Forces Spokesperson added: "Only blank rounds were fired during this training exercise and yes it would be normal practice to test the students and run them through drills by both day and night."