Man shot in broad daylight in Castlebar

Man shot in broad daylight in Castlebar

Ongoing feud escalates after brazen shooting

Edwin McGreal
Castlebar

A man in his 20s was shot in broad daylight at a filling station in Castlebar this afternoon.
He is in a serious condition at Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar following the brazen shooting, which took place at the Top Oil filling station at Moneen in the town, at approximately 3.30pm this afternoon. The scene is currently sealed off for a technical examination.
The Mayo News understands the victim was shot three times in the back while he was filling a drum of water at the services area of the station.
A dark-coloured estate car left the scene at speed in the direction of Claremorris. Anyone who saw the incident or saw a car matching that description acting suspiciously is asked to contact Castlebar Garda Station on 094 9022222.
The Mayo News understands the victim is 26 years old. His younger brother was shot at the same petrol station last January. He made a full recovery. The two shootings are believed to be linked and part of an ongoing feud between a Castlebar-based family and a Ballina-based family, both members of the Travelling community. A third member of the victim's family was also shot this year. Locals are concerned that this feud will now escalate even further.
Gardaí are examining a silver Toyota Corolla saloon at the scene. It is believed to be the victim's car.
The shooting took place on the eastern side of the filling station, close to the air and water services.
The shop remains open but the area where the shooting took place has been sealed off.