Men to remain in garda custody over Christy Keane shooting

Keane, (55) was shot a number of times in the car park of the University of Limerick Sports Arena on June 25 last in an early morning hit that resulted in two getaway cars being burned out in a nearby estate and at the scene near where Keane’s younger brother Kieran was murdered in 2003.

Five men, Desmond Dundon, of Hyde Road; David “Frogs Eyes” Stanners, of Pineview Gardens, Moyross; James McCarthy, of Delmege Park, Moyross; Christopher “Smokie” Costelloe, of Moylish Avenue, Ballynanty Beg and Anthony “Noddy” McCarthy, of Fairgreen, Garryowen were all jailed for life after they were convicted of that murder and for the attempted murder of Owen Treacy.

In total, nine arrests have been made in connection with the attempted murder of Christy Keane last June and Gardaí this weekend applied to Judge Mary Larkin during a special court sitting of Limerick District Court to further extend the periods of detention for two men who were arrested last Tuesday.

A third man in his 50s was also arrested last Tuesday but he was later released without charge.

All arrests were made in connection with the attempted murder of the gangland figure but to date, no one has been charged.

Following the shooting last June, Christy Keane was left in a critical condition after he suffered a number of gunshot wounds.

Gardai are continuing to investigate a line of inquiry that a hand gun used by one of the would-be assassins jammed as Keane got ready to go to the University Arena gym around 6.40am.

Limerick’s most senior garda, Chief Superintendent Dave Sheahan said that the investigation was being carried out “expeditiously “as he outlined the details to Judge Mary Larkin.

Applications to extend the detentions were granted and the two men, aged 34 and 32 from the Northside of the city, will lawfully remain in garda custody until 7:30am this Wednesday morning.