Guns found in Christy Keane shooting investigation

Two handguns have been recovered by gardaí investigating the attempted murder of convicted Limerick drug dealer Christy Keane.

The firearms were discovered in a red Ford Focus hatchback which was found burnt out in Monaleen shortly after the shooting, which took place in a car park adjacent to University of Limerick Sports Arena at 6.45am on Monday.

The weapons are understood to be badly damaged.

The Dublin-registerd care Focus was one of two getaway vehicles found partially burnt-out after the shooting.

A white Volvo V70 with English registration plates, believed to the second getaway car, was found in Drombana.

Mr Keane, a 54-year-old father of two, remains in a serous condition at the University Hospital Limerick following. It is understood his injuries are not life threatening.

Mr Keane, the brother of murdered gangland figure Kieran Keane, was shot a number of times in the body and arm by two masked gunmen who attacked him after he parked his car to visit the gym at the arena.

Speaking to the media outside Henry Street Garda station, Superintendent Derek Smart, who is leading the investigation, said gardaí had not been aware of any specific threat against Mr Keane’s life.

“We have a victim that was struck a number of times it would have to be classified as an attempted murder,” said Supt Smart. “The injured party would be known to us but he was going about his lawful business. He is a married man with two children, he was entitled to be where he was so the circumstances into how he became injured is very much open to us at this stage.”

Supt Smart appealed to anyone who may have seen anything over the past number of days in and around UL to contact gardaí.

When asked if there were concerns about a possible escalation of feud-related incidents, Supt Smart said gardaí are working to ensure crime will stay down.

“It’s 2010 since the last feud-related murder occurred in Limerick. Since 2007 there were over 102 firearms incidents in the city. That was reduced to 10 in 2014 so the incidents are coming back down. That is due to the support the Garda Siochána is receiving from the community and the other stake holders in the city,” he said.

“We we are all working togeher to make sure it remains that way. Nobody wants to see any escalation of any incidents around the city at all.”

In a statement, the University of Limerick said the campus was open as usual. The 12,000 students are currently off for the summer.

“An incident in a UL campus car park this morning is currently the subject of a Garda investigation. All university facilities are open and functioning as normal, including the University Arena.”

Gardaí in Henry Street are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have any information to contact them on 061-212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.