Dublin Pub Gun Victim Remains Critical

One of the men injured in a shooting incident linked to the IRA outside a pub in Fairview in Dublin yesterday morning is still in a critical condition in Beaumont Hospital.

A second man, who was also shot in the incident, is in a critical but stable condition at the Mater Hospital.

A total of three people were injured in the gun attack outside The Players Lounge, which is believed to be connected to a struggle between former IRA members and criminal gangs for control of security operations in city pubs.

The critical man has been identified locally as Wayne Barrett, 31, who is the pub's doorman. He was shot in the head.

The two other injured men were both regular customers and were hit while standing at the bar's entrance as Mr Barrett tried to flee inside from the gunman.

The man was reported to have been armed with two guns and approached the entrance of the bar at around 12.30am before opening fire on Mr Barrett.

Tthe gunman chased him inside and shot the doorman in the head.

Gardaí remain at the scene and the area has been cordoned-off. The road close to the scene of the shooting has also been closed off.

The gunman, described by gardai as around 5ft 8in tall, then ran down Philipsburgh Avenue and jumped into the Golf car, which was driven away by an accomplice.

The car had been fitted with false number plates, 05 D 57078.

It was found 15 minutes later at Verschoyle Court, an apartment complex at Stephen's Avenue, off Mount Street on the south side of the city. It had been burnt out.

An incident room has been set up at Clontarf Garda station and anyone with information is asked to contact Clontarf Garda station or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

(DW/BMcC)