Armed raiders attack two men in town

October 1999

GARDAÍ are keeping an open mind on motives for two separate shootings at houses in Dundalk. The first takes place in Aisling Park, Cox’s Demesne before the second in Hawthorn Crescent, Bay Estate.

Two men are left seriously injured, one with a stomach wound and the other with an injury to his knee.

There are suggestions the attacks may be linked to a Republican or drugs feud.

Gardaí believe the shootings, five minutes apart, are connected. The distance between the two locations in Cox’s Demesne and Bay Estate would seem to rule out they are carried out by the same people.

However, there are similarities, indicating a co-ordinated plan. The attacks are by two masked men, armed with guns.

A man in his 40s is shot in the stomach in Aisling Park, Cox’s Demesne and is in a more serious condition than the other victim. He is approximately 30 and originally from Northern Ireland.

Both are taken to the Louth county hospital for treatment before the man with the wounded knee is transferred to hospital in Navan.

The first attack occurs at 10.50pm in Aisling Park after a family member answers a knock on the door.

The armed men, wearing blue rain coats, push their way in before shooting the man who is in the kitchen. They leave the scene on foot.

Five minutes later in Hawthorn Crescent, Bay Estate, the victim is shot in the knee when he opens the door to two masked men.

One is described as well over six feet tall.

Both scenes are preserved by gardaí for forensic examinations.

Superintendent Michael Staunton, who is heading the investigations, appeals to the public for assistance in tracking down the perpetrators.