Gardaí seize firearms in connection with shooting incident at match in Tipperary

David Raleigh

Gardaí have seized a number of firearms and ammunition as part of an investigation into a shooting in which a man sustained a gunshot wound during a soccer match in Rearcross, Co Tipperary on January 6th.

Garda sources confirmed a male had spoken informally to gardaí in Nenagh in order to help them with their inquiries into the incident.

A number of licensed firearms, including at least one rifle, along with ammunition, were seized by gardaí as part of the investigation.

The firearms and ammunition are to be sent to Garda ballistics to be tested to ascertain if they match the bullet 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 & District League under floodlights when the incident took place.

Paramedics treated the man at the scene before taking him by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick for additional treatment.

Gardaí in Nenagh suspect the matter was a freak accident and that the man was hit by a stray bullet from a hunter’s firearm.

Asked for comment, a Garda spokesperson 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.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to Nenagh Garda station on 067-50450, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666 111.