Updated 10.00pm
THE BROTHER OF Alan Ryan has passed away in the Mater Hospital after being shot in the head in Finglas this afternoon.
The man, named locally as Vincent Ryan, was sitting alone in a white Volkswagen Golf when he was shot.
Gardaí were called to the scene on McKee Road shortly before 3.15pm.
Vincent is the brother of well known dissident republican Alan Ryan – who was shot dead in 2012.
Gardaí say that a silver five door Volkswagen Golf with alloy wheels approached the car and a number of shots were fired.
Ryan was shot in the head multiple times and it’s understood that paramedics initiated CPR at the scene.
It’s believed that Ryan was visiting his girlfriend at the time of the shooting.
Superintendent John Quirke confirmed that the victim was known to gardaí:
We are making ongoing inquiries in relation to the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Locals have told TheJournal.ie reporter Michael Shiels McNamee that the area is generally very quiet as many of the residents are older people.
Those who heard the gunshots said the gardaí arrived at the scene within “seconds”.
The silver/grey VW Golf then left the scene at speed towards Clune Rd and Jamestown Road, Finglas.
A car was found burnt out in the Victoria Bridge area on the Naas to Rathangan road and gardaí believe it may have been involved in the shooting. The car has been preserved for a technical examination.
There is a school at the end of the estate and children are usually in the area at the time of the day that the shooting took place.
Gardaí cordoned off a large section of the street, including about six houses and a green space, for a forensic examination.
Officers have covered a car with tarpaulin sheets.
It’s believed that the shooting is not connected to the recent gangland feud, although gardaí are looking at all possible links at this stage.
An incident room has been set up and officers are appealing for any witnesses who might have seen the silver car to come forward.
Fianna Fáil councillor Paul McAuliffe said, “This terrible incident once again highlights the urgent need for a dedicated garda unit to tackle gun crime in Dublin.
It is frightening the way criminals are getting more and more brazen.
“While our local gardaí go above and beyond the call of duty every day to keep our communities safe, it’s clear they simply do not have the resources they need to bring these criminals to justice and maintain a strong presence on the streets.”
Newly-elected Fine Gael TD Noel Rock has also issued a statement condemning the shooting.
Superintendent Quirke is appealing for anyone who may have any information to contact gardaí in Finglas on 01 6667500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Additional reporting by Michael Sheils McNamee.
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