Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 0870Murder · Co. Limerick · 7 Jun 1996

Garda Jerry McCabe murder inquiry 'very much live' 30 years after Adare shooting

Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, an Irish man, was shot dead by a Provisional IRA gang during a raid on the Adare post office in Co Limerick on 7 June 1996, while his partner Ben O'Sullivan was seriously wounded. Four people were convicted of manslaughter in connection with the killing in 1999. O'Sullivan, who survived the shooting, died in 2022. As of the 30th anniversary commemoration in June 2026, Chief Superintendent Derek Smart confirmed the investigation remains 'very much live' and appealed for information.

  1. Reported
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Det Garda Jerry McCabe was shot dead and Ben O'Sullivan was seriously wounded when occupants of a second vehicle opened fire during a Provisional IRA raid on the Adare post office.
Where
The shooting took place in Adare, Co Limerick.
When
The incident occurred on 7 June 1996.
Weapon
A Provisional IRA unit crashed a Jeep at full speed into the rear of the detectives' unmarked patrol car before occupants of a second vehicle opened fire.
Investigation
The investigation is still live as of June 2026, with Chief Supt Derek Smart appealing for information.
In court
Four people were convicted of manslaughter in relation to the killing in 1999.
Other details
  • McCabe was originally from Co Kerry, had worked as a mechanic before joining An Garda Síochána in September 1964, and was a father of five.
  • McCabe was posthumously awarded the Scott Gold Medal in 2000.
  • Ben O'Sullivan, who was shot around a dozen times in 1996, died in 2022.
17 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatJerry McCabe was shot dead by an IRA gang during a raid on the Adare post office in 1996. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatOccupants of a second vehicle opened fire, killing McCabe and seriously wounding O'Sullivan. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatBen O'Sullivan, who survived the 1996 shooting, died in 2022. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatDet Garda Jerry McCabe was shot dead by a republican gang during a raid on the post office in Adare in 1996 (irishtimes.com)
  • whatO'Sullivan was shot around a dozen times but survived (irishtimes.com)
  • whatBen O'Sullivan died in 2022 (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe 30th anniversary mass was held at Holy Rosary Church in Limerick. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe killing took place on 7 June 1996. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe incident occurred on 7 June 1996 (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponA Provisional IRA unit crashed a Jeep at full speed into the rear of the detectives' unmarked patrol car. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationThe investigation into the killing is still live and Gardaí are seeking to speak with people who have information. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationChief Supt Derek Smart said the investigation is 'very much live' and appealed for information (irishtimes.com)
  • courtFour people were convicted of manslaughter in relation to the killing in 1999. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • otherMcCabe was originally from Co Kerry and worked as a mechanic before joining An Garda Síochána in September 1964. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • otherMcCabe was posthumously awarded the Scott Gold Medal in 2000. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • otherBoth McCabe's son and grandson served in An Garda Síochána. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherMcCabe was a father of five (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 7 Jun2026
    Otheririshtimes.com, follow-up
    Garda Jerry McCabe murder inquiry ‘very much live’ 30 years after Limerick shooting

    30th anniversary commemorative piece confirming the investigation is still open; four people were convicted of manslaughter in 1999 but the case is not considered closed.

    victim, Jerry McCabe, male, Irish, irishJerry McCabevictim, male, irish (judged from name)
  2. 7 Jun2026
    Otheririshmirror.ie, follow-up
    Murdered Garda detective Jerry McCabe remembered 30 years on

    30th anniversary commemoration; investigation confirmed still live; four people previously convicted of manslaughter in 1999; partner Ben O'Sullivan noted as having died in 2022.

    victim, Jerry McCabe, male, irish (judged from name)Jerry McCabevictim, Ben O'Sullivan, male, irish (judged from name)Ben O'Sullivan