GRA to discuss gun attack on two gardaí

Members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) will meet in Co Limerick today to discuss the recent attempted shooting…

Members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) will meet in Co Limerick today to discuss the recent attempted shooting of two gardaí on patrol in a Limerick city housing estate.

One of the weapons seized in a search mounted 48 hours after the shooting on Sunday may be the rifle used in the attack.

Sunday's night's shooting took place in the Southill area of Limerick, where there has been violence in recent weeks linked to a new feud between criminal gangs living in the area.

Two gardaí sitting in an unmarked patrol car were lucky to escape serious injury when a gunman opened fire on their vehicle in the O'Malley Park estate. A number of bullets struck the car.

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On Tuesday afternoon some 50 gardaí mounted one of the largest search operations ever seen in the Southill area, which was supported by the Garda air unit and the Garda dog unit.

Five firearms, including two handguns, were recovered, as was a small quantity of ammunition and cannabis resin with an estimated street value of €5,000.

Gardaí believe analysis will show that some of the guns seized were used in shootings in the last few months.

A rifle seized in the 48-hour operation may be the weapon used by the gunman involved in Sunday's attack on the gardaí.

A 37-year-old man arrested in connection with this incident was later released without charge, but a file is being prepared for the DPP.

Meanwhile, members of the Limerick divisional committee of the GRA will hold their monthly meeting in Rathkeale this morning, where last weekend's shooting is expected to top the agenda.

"We will be discussing health and safety issues in general but obviously Sunday night's shooting has taken over and we will be moving this matter to the top of our agenda," said GRA divisional committee member Garda Kevin McCarthy.