A man shot dead early this morning in Limerick may have been murdered in a case of mistaken identity.
The man, named locally as Shane Geoghegan, was shot in the head in the Kilteragh housing estate in Dooradoyle on the outskirts of Limerick.
It is believed the 28 year old, who played rugby for local club Garryowen, was shot dead by a killer who intended to gun down a local drug dealer.
Gardai said they were trying to establish why the man was shot.
"There was no apparent reason why he was targeted," said a spokesman.
A Garryowen club spokesman said the death of Shane, who captained the third team, was a tragedy.
"We are absolutely shocked and saddened by Shane's tragic and untimely death," he said.
"He was a fabulous young man and a talented, committed and honest player."
Local residents alerted the gardai after hearing a number of gunshots at around 1.45am in the Clonmore area of the estate.
The body was removed to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick where a post-mortem examination was due to be carried out.
State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy carried out a forensic investigation of the scene which was sealed off earlier today.
Local Fine Gael councillor Richard Butler said the community was stunned by the killing.
"We are all shocked that something like this could happen in a lovely community where hard-working, decent, honest people live ," he said.
"It's very sad that something like this could happen."
PA