Memorial for young murdered Clondalkin man

By Maurice Garvey

ARRANGEMENTS are being made to create a memorial for a young man shot and murdered in a case of mistaken identity three years ago.

Clondalkin man Dean Johnson (21) was shot up to eight times in Harelawn, as he walked to his Greenfort home from the pub.

The culprits have not been brought to justice, but Dean’s family hope to see justice prevail, and are thankful for the community support.

Sinn Féin councillor Mark Ward was one of the first people on the scene of the murder, after hearing shots, and recently passed a motion in South Dublin County Council, to erect a memorial in remembrance of Dean.

Andrew Johnson, Dean’s older brother, said the family are “grateful to people in the community for keeping his memory alive.”
“We are still hoping for justice, please God – nobody should be taken in that way,” said Andrew.

“It devastated the community. Two families moved out shortly afterwards. One guy was on the scene after it happened as a first responder, but he was traumatised.”

Andrew continued: “The papers called Dean a criminal and there was a lot of bad stuff said, but he had no criminal record. A few bad people give Clondalkin a bad name, but the majority in the community are good, and we are grateful for their support.”

Councillor Ward said the night “still haunts me.”

He said: “I was staying in my family home in Harelawn Green, in bed reading when I heard rapid gun fire.

“I looked out the bedroom window and I saw a body lying face down on the road outside my home. Immediately I called an ambulance and attended the scene along with neighbours and passer-by’s.

“The sight was horrific, a young man face down, unmoving and covered in blood. I and other neighbours did our best to help Dean while we waited on emergency services.”

Cllr Ward continued: “I didn’t know Dean personally, however I know his family well. The travesty visited on this decent family has never being righted.”

Along with the memorial, Cllr Ward issued a fresh appeal for information.

“Dean Johnson was shot dead in cold blood in a case of mistaken identity,” said Cllr Ward.

Cllr Ward feels Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has “abandoned the community” and urges her to “deliver results on rising gun- and drug-related crime.”

“Whilst I am pleased the process has begun to erect a lasting memorial to Dean Johnson, I am also dismayed by the lack of Government resources to tackle problems, in an area represented by the Tánaiste,” said Cllr Ward.

South Dublin County Council have agreed to provide a memorial at a “suitable location which relatives can visit on a regular basis.”