A man was fatally shot in the face in a drive-by gun attack in Murroe, Co Limerick today in what gardaí believe was a dispute between two bikers.
The victim, named locally as Andrew O'Donoghue, who was a long-time member of Road Tramps Motorcycle Club Ireland, was shot in the face as he went to close a gate at the entrance to the group's clubhouse at around 3pm.
A car pulled up outside the club house, located at Mountfune, Murroe, and a gunman armed with a shotgun - who gardaí believe is another biker and who was armed with a shotgun - fired at the victim, hitting him in the face.
Mr O'Donoghue, 51, from Cois na Coille, Murroe, was rushed by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick, but died there from his injuries a short time later.
A garda source said they had "no clear motive" for the killing but that officers are investigating a line of inquiry that the shooting may be linked to an alleged assault involving two parties two weeks ago.
Gardaí say they are "following a definite line of inquiry".
"A number of searches have been carried out, but no arrests have been made," a source added.
Gardaí hope closed circuit television security cameras, in operation at the Road Tramp Motorcycle Club, may yield vital evidence.
A post mortem on the victim's body is expected to be carried out by the State Pathologist tomorrow
Tributes
Members of the Road Tramps MC took to the club's Facebook page to pay emotional tributes to their "brother".
"My brother odd gunned down today...Words cannot explain how gutted iam. My best mate Gone," said the club's Facebook page administrator.
Maggie Godfrey said: "A candle is lighting do you and your family and all Road Tramps MC Ireland, and your many friends missing you today Rest now and watch over your family."
Another club member, John Blue O' Shea said: "rip...ODD, our hearts are broken, one of my oldest friends..."
In a personal tribute, Lorna-Jean Omalley said she was "heartbroken".
"odd a true gentleman my southern comfort partner gone I can't believe it xxx," she added.
Ms Godfrey described the killing as "a waste" of "a long time friend".
Greg Daly from the Blue Angels MC said: "Our thoughts are with you and his family at this sad time Blue Angels MC".
Road Tramps MC Ireland, formerly known as Reapers MC Ireland, was founded in 1987.
According to a spokesperson the club had recently entered into "an alliance" with three other motorcycle clubs.
The Alliance includes three motorcycle club chapters from Limerick, Cork and Tipperary including Road Tramps MC Ireland, Devils Disciples MC Ireland, Freewheelers MC Ireland, and Vikings MC Ireland.
"The club has gone through some changes over the past few months, which has brought about the formation of the Alliance Ireland. Relations and respect between ourselves and the other four MC Irish clubs, has strengthened and continues to grow," a notice on the web page says.
"We are proud to remain Road Tramps MC and are looking forward to the future in the Irish MC scene which is being developed by the Alliance Ireland for the Irish."
Philip O'Connor posted on the club's Facebook account: "Rest in peace Odd, thoughts with his family, the Road Tramps MC Ireland, the Alliance, I know your brothers will carry your name forever".
The club is believed to have recently marked the start of the summer by holding its annual Summer Party, which is held each May weekend at its club house in Murroe.
Gardaí said the scene of the shooting was preserved "pending a Garda Technical Investigation".
Gardaí in Bruff are investigating the killing and have appealed for witnesses or anyone who may have any information to contact them on 062-382940, the Garda Confidential Line, on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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