Submachine gun and sawn-off shotgun seized by gardaí as part of organised crime investigation

Individuals arrested understood to be associated with Tristan Sherry, who died after Christmas Eve shooting in Blanchardstown

Firearms seized by gardaí in Dublin at the weekend. Photograph: Garda Press Office 18 Feb 24
Firearms seized by gardaí in Dublin at the weekend. Photograph: Garda Press Office 18 Feb 24

Gardaí seized a number of firearms in Dublin over the weekend following searches at two addresses in the capital, part of a wider investigation into a gangland feud connected to murder of two men in northwest Dublin over Christmas.

Gardaí recovered a submachine gun, a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition during the searches on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Gardaí conducted the searches following the arrest of two people on Friday afternoon: a man (20s) and woman (30s) were detained by gardaí attached to the Blanchardstown district after they were found to be in possession of a pistol and ammunition while travelling in a car on the Old Navan Road in northwest Dublin.

The seizures follow the death of Tristan Sherry (26) in an attack at Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve. Mr Sherry was killed after he shot Jason Hennessy Snr at the busy restaurant. Mr Hennessy later died from injuries sustained in the attack.

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It’s understood that the individuals arrested on Friday were associated with Mr Sherry. Gardaí believe one of the guns seized over the weekend was to be used in a planned shooting.

Firearm and ammunition seized by gardaí in Dublin. Photograph: Garda Press Office 18 Feb 24
Firearm and ammunition seized by gardaí in Dublin. Photograph: Garda Press Office 18 Feb 24

Both occupants of the car are being held at a Garda station in Dublin under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939.

The firearms and ammunition seized over the weekend will be subject to analysis by the ballistics section of the Garda National Technical Bureau.

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Fiachra Gallagher

Fiachra Gallagher

Fiachra Gallagher is an Irish Times journalist