Gardai still hunting for gang who fatally attacked Neil Reilly

GARDAI investigating the death of Neil Reilly are still searching for the gang who fatally attacked him, and hope witnesses to the scene of the fatal assault may be able to identify the attackers.

Mr Reilly (36), was killed after being chased by a gang of men following a shooting at a house in Ronanstown in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The shocking incident happened after a number of shots were fired at a house in Liscarne Gardens at approximately 4am. Nobody was injured but vehicles were seen leaving the scene.

After a chase from Liscarne to Lucan, the car Reilly was travelling in was rammed by a number of other cars, and a fight broke out following a crash in The Glebe, Esker.

Mr Reilly died following a violent altercation, which involved at least five individuals.

He was beaten, suffered a number of slash wounds and gardai suspect he may have been deliberately knocked down. Emergency services treated the injured Mr Reilly at the scene.

He was taken to James Connolly Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The victim, a resident of St Finian’s Close and father of at least one child, was well known to gardai.

A number of vehicles have been seized by gardai for technical examination and a damaged Mazda was found at the scene by gardai.

Two crime scenes have been preserved by gardai, who are trying to establish a motive for the murder.

Superintendent Dermot Mann, from Lucan Garda Station is heading the investigation, and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Supt Mann said a number of people came out of their homes after the crash in The Glebe, and that it is possible some of the attackers may have left the scene on foot.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have observed vehicles speeding or driving erratically in the general area between Liscarne Gardens and the Glebe in Esker at approximately 4am.

It is not clear on which route these vehicles travelled.

Independent councillor Liona O’Toole said the incident and the recent murder of criminal Mark Desmond in Griffeen Valley Park, reflected the need for additional garda resources in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lucan Garda Station at 6667300, or the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666-111.