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. 5256Murder · Co. Dublin · 30 Dec 2015

Garda murder investigation into 2015 Dublin shooting of Darren Kearns ongoing

On 30 December 2015, shortly after 5.30pm, Darren Kearns (33), a man, was fatally shot by a lone gunman outside Cumiskey's pub on Blackhorse Avenue, near the Cabra entrance to Phoenix Park in Dublin, just after leaving the Rising Phoenix restaurant with his wife, Sharon. Gardaí believe he was targeted in a drug-related dispute, and the attacker's getaway BMW, bought two months earlier using false details, was later found burnt out in a laneway off Regal Park, Cabra. No arrest or charge has been reported. At a sitting of Dublin District Coroner's Court on 13 August 2024, Detective Inspector Darragh Kenny said the investigation is ongoing with new lines of enquiry, and the inquest was adjourned for nine months. The senior investigator expects a file to be sent to the DPP in about 12 months.

  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
Darren Kearns (33) was fatally shot by a lone gunman.
Where
  • The shooting happened outside Cumiskey's pub on Blackhorse Avenue, near the Cabra entrance to Phoenix Park in Dublin.
  • Mr Kearns had just left the Rising Phoenix restaurant next to the pub with his wife, Sharon.
When
The shooting happened on 30 December 2015, shortly after 5.30pm.
Cause
Gardaí believe Mr Kearns was targeted in a drug-related dispute.
Weapon
The gunman opened fire on Mr Kearns with a firearm he was carrying.
Other details
  • The getaway BMW was bought two months earlier using false details.
  • The attacker's vehicle was found burnt out in a laneway off Regal Park, Cabra.
Investigation
  • The Garda investigation into Mr Kearns' death is ongoing, with new lines of enquiry being followed.
  • The senior investigator expects it will be about 12 months before a file is sent to the DPP.
Charges
No arrest or charge has been reported in the articles.
In court
  • On 13 August 2024, the Dublin District Coroner's Court heard a brief sitting in the inquest.
  • The coroner adjourned the inquest for nine months.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatDarren Kearns was fatally shot by a lone gunman. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe shooting happened outside a pub on Dublin's northside, after Mr Kearns left a restaurant with his wife. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe shooting happened on 30 December 2015. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe attack happened shortly after 5.30pm. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeGardaí believe Mr Kearns was targeted in a drug-related dispute. (irishmirror.ie)
  • weaponThe gunman opened fire on Mr Kearns with a firearm he was carrying. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationThe investigation into Mr Kearns' death is ongoing, with new lines of investigation being followed. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationThe senior investigator expects it will be 12 months before a file is sent to the DPP. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe coroner adjourned the inquest for nine months. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe getaway BMW was bought two months earlier using false details. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe attacker's vehicle was found burnt out in a laneway off Regal Park, Cabra. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Aug2024
    Otheririshmirror.ie, first report
    New lines of enquiry in murder probe of man shot as he left Dublin restaurant

    Reports a coroner's inquest hearing in which the senior investigator said the investigation is ongoing with new lines of enquiry. Inquest adjourned for nine months, with a file for the DPP expected in about 12 months. No arrests or charges are mentioned.

    victim, Darren Kearns, 33, male, irish (judged from name)Darren Kearnssuspect, male