The mother of two brothers kidnapped at gunpoint on Thursday night today appealed for the safe return of her sons.
Mr Eddie Ryan (20), and his 19-year-old brother Kieran, have not been seen since their abduction, despite widespread searches throughout Limerick, initiated within hours of their disappearance.
The men's mother, Mrs Mary Ryan, who has been comforted at her home since her sons' disappearance, today appealed for their safe return, highlighting the devastating effect the affair was having on her.
She said: "Just give them back. They never done anything to anyone." Gardai and an Army unit from Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick were today continuing a search for the two brothers.
Police fear a row between the Ryans and another family may be behind the incident. The brothers' father, also named Eddie, was shot dead in a Limerick bar two years ago and last week Eddie jr appeared before court on an assault charge that was subsequently dropped.
On Friday the Bishop of Limerick, Donal Murray, appealed for anyone with information about the men to help find them and bring both home safely.
Dr Murray said the abduction, and other recent incidents in the city, showed the pointless cruelty of violence and intimidation.
The search was resumed today amid police fears that the abduction of the pair could prompt further violence in Limerick.
Garda Siochana Supt Willie Keane, who is heading the investigation, said officers were extremely concerned about the brothers, reporting: "It is obviously a very serious situation.
"These two young men have been missing since Thursday night, and I would appeal to anyone who would be holding them at the moment to release them unharmed."
He asked for anybody with information on the incident to contact police in Limerick.
The brothers were taken away in a car after being confronted by two masked men carrying guns. A shot was fired but a friend who had been with the Ryans escaped unhurt.