An arson attack on a family home in Co Clare had its origins in a gang feud dating back to November 2000, Limerick Circuit Court heard yesterday.
The details emerged as two men were each sentenced to 12 years in jail for a petrol bomb attack which gardaí say could have been fatal.
Since the murder of Eddie Ryan in the Moose Bar, Limerick, 2½ years ago, gardaí have investigated more than 40 incidents connected to the feud.
At the height of tensions, Limerick crime boss Kieran Keane was shot dead in an "execution-style" killing on January 29th.
Earlier this week, Noel Price (25), of Kileely Road, Limerick, and Michael Stanners (19), of Delmege Park, Limerick, were convicted of arson at Gillogue House, Clonalara, Co Clare, on May 17th, 2001. Both had denied the charge.
Before sentencing yesterday, Det Sgt Jim Ryan said the arson attack had caused €15,000 worth of damage to the home of Mr Philip Treacy. He is the father of Mr Owen Treacy, who was abducted on the night that Keane was murdered. Mr Owen Treacy survived stab wounds in the same kidnap incident.
Yesterday, Limerick Circuit Court heard that Mr Philip Treacy was siting down to watch the six o'clock news when two petrol bombs were hurled through the front window of his home.
The court heard that Price had more than 10 previous convictions dating back to 1995. These included an arson attack on the car of an off-duty garda, assaulting a garda, possession of a firearm and drugs offences.
Stanners had convictions including car theft and fraud.