The area where 16-year-old Nathan Daly was shot in Swords, Co Dublin, on Saturday night remained cordoned off by gardaí yesterday, as neighbours told of a "lovely lad" who appeared to have been the victim of a case of mistaken identity.
One resident of St Cronan's estate, where the attack occurred, described hearing what sounded like fireworks as she watched the television.
"It wasn't until later, until my friend rang me saying somebody had been shot outside that I realised," the woman, who did not wish to be named, said. "I heard he came out of the house with his pals and was shot . . . He's a lovely lad, he's never been in trouble before."
"His parents would be quite strict on him, he's never been in trouble, not like some of the young fellas around here." St Cronan's estate is a "quiet enough" area, although there was a small group of lads who caused a bit of trouble from time to time, another local said.
"It's the first gun crime here, there is a bit of a rough element but nothing like this," he said.
There was no answer at the Daly family home in nearby Abbeylea, Swords, yesterday afternoon.
However, one family member, who did not wish to be named, said the 16-year-old had needed to have a kidney removed and remained in intensive care. "He's doing fine, but it is a very stressful time for the family, he's the best kid who wouldn't hurt anyone," the family member said.