A murder inquiry was under way last night after a 32-year-old postmaster was shot dead as he tried to tackle an armed raider, write Conor Lally, Crime Correspondent and Michael Parsons, in Kilkenny
The victim was named locally last night as Alan Cunniffe. He had only assumed the postmaster's role recently in the sub post office beside the Centra shop owned by his family in the John's Green area of Kilkenny.
His murder was the 21st gun homicide in the State this year. A Chinese man in his twenties was being held by gardaí in Kilkenny in connection with the killing.
Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said the killing was a "cowardly, senseless slaying of a decent young man". An Post said it was "shocked and horrified by the savagery" of the shooting which follows a number of recent kidnap-robberies during which An Post staff and their families have been targeted.
Yesterday's events began just after midday when a man armed with a handgun and wearing a balaclava entered the post office. He demanded money from two female staff. A sum was handed over. Mr Cunniffe was in the Centra shop and came out to investigate when he heard shouting.
He saw the raider and chased him. However, as he caught him the raider fired one shot, wounding Mr Cunniffe in the stomach. He was rushed to St Luke's General Hospital, where he died. A man was later arrested after a garda sergeant passing in a patrol car chased him through side streets.