LAST UPDATE | 25 Dec 2023

GARDAÍ ARE CONTINUING to investigate an apparent gangland shooting, in which one man was killed and another critically injured in west Dublin yesterday evening.

The incident happened at a busy restaurant in the centre of Blanchardstown village at around 8pm.

The dead man, who was in his 20s, is believed to have been the gunman. Sources have said he sustained fatal injuries from being shot or stabbed in the aftermath of the initial shooting.

The second man, who is in his 40s, was shot in the upper body and is in critical condition.

No arrests have been made at this time.

Shocked to hear about the shooting today in Blanchardstown in a well known family restaurant I’ve visited many times.

Full Garda investigation underway. My thanks to them and solidarity to staff and customers.

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) December 25, 2023

The Taoiseach said he is “shocked” by the incident in his constituency “in a well known family restaurant”.

Also taking to X, Integration Minister and Dublin West TD Roderic O’Gorman said: “Last night’s shooting in Blanch village was a callous attack that put at risk many people enjoying their Christmas night out.

“My thanks to the gardaí, emergency services and staff in Connolly for their quick response.”

The scene remains preserved and a technical examination is being carried out by the Garda Technical Bureau.

A post-mortem of the man in his 20s will take place tomorrow at the City Morgue, Whitehall by the State Pathologist. 

Sources have said one theory is that the dead man was injured in a struggle after the initial shooting.

It is understood that the second injured man was having a meal with family and friends when he was shot. He is from a well known family in the Blanchardstown area.

The dead man is not related to the second victim and was not with the group eating at the restaurant.

Gardai outside Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown this morning Leah Farrell Leah Farrell

The restaurant was busy at the time of the shooting and video is circulating on social media of customers seeking cover under tables.

It is understood that there were a number of children inside the business during the shooting. One woman can be seen in some of the videos carrying two young children away from the scene.

The restaurant, Browne’s Steakhouse, is located on the Main Street in Blanchardstown village, close to Castleknock, and is popular with families.

In a statement today, a garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána is aware of videos of the incident and immediate aftermath which are in circulation on social media and messaging apps. We are appealing to the public for these videos not to be further distributed.

“We are also appealing to the public to be aware of a significant level of speculation, misinformation and disinformation which is in circulation.

“Gardaí have increased uniform patrols in the Dublin Region, with support from armed patrols, including the Garda Armed Support Unit.”

With reporting by Niall O’Connor