GARDAÍ have seized a number of firearms and ammunition as part of an investigation into a shooting incident in which a man sustained a gunshot wound while playing a competitive soccer match in Rearcross, County Tipperary, on January 6 last.
Reliable Garda sources confirmed that a male had spoken informally to Gardaí in Nenagh, County Tipperary, in order to help them with their inquiries into the incident.
A number of licensed firearms, which included at least one rifle, along with ammunition, have been seized by Gardaí as part of the shooting probe.
The firearms and ammunition are to be sent to the Garda Ballistics Section located at Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park in Dublin to be tested “to see if they are a match” for a bullet which was removed from the injured player’s arm.
The injured man was playing for Rearcross FC against Ballymackey FC in a Junior ‘B’ match in Division 2 of the Tipperary and District League under floodlights when he was shot.
Paramedics treated the man at the scene, at the Rearcross FC home sportsground, before taking him by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick for additional treatment for the non-life threatening gunshot injury.
Gardaí in Nenagh, who are leading the investigation, suspect the incident was a freak accident and that the man was hit by a stray bullet from a hunter’s firearm.
When asked for comment, a Garda spokesman replied: “As part of the ongoing investigation, Gardaí have seized a number of firearms and a quantity of ammunition, which has been forwarded to the Garda Technical Bureau for ballistic examination.”
“In this phase of the investigation, no arrests have been made, but Gardaí are now following a definite line of enquiry,” he said.
The spokesman said Gardaí were “actively continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident at a sports venue in Rearcross, County Tipperary, on Saturday, 6th January 2024”.
“The incident involved an adult male participating in a soccer match under floodlights who sustained a gunshot wound to the arm shortly after 9pm.”
A Garda source said the incident was a general reminder to people involved in hunting with firearms of the “dangers” and associated stringent “safety precautions” that are required when using firearms in open spaces.
Issuing a fresh appeal for information today (Wednesday), a member of the Garda Press Office stated: “Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact Nenagh Garda Station at 067 50 450 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.”