Ireland Gardaí appeal for witnesses over axe and machete incidents in Droim Chaoin, Galway City
Gardaí received reports that a number of males carrying axes, machetes and bats caused extensive damage to two properties in the Droim Chaoin estate on the Bishop O'Donnell Road in west Galway City at about 9:10pm on Thursday 25 May 2023. Reports also say a firearm was discharged at the location, which Gardaí are investigating, and no injuries have been reported. The men left in several vehicles, and as many as six men wearing balaclavas can be seen in video footage. No one has been arrested or charged, and Galway Garda station is leading the investigation, with the latest development being a Garda appeal for witnesses and footage issued on 1 June 2023.
- Reported25 May
4 reports - Arrested
- Charged
- In court
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Gardaí received reports that a number of males caused extensive damage to two properties in the Droim Chaoin estate.
- The men left the scene in a number of vehicles.
- A Galway Beo article dated 27 May 2023 described a masked gang shooting captured on video in the west of the city, with no date given, and it may refer to the same events.
- When
- The reports relate to about 9:10pm on Thursday 25 May 2023, although one Galway Beo article dated 1 June 2023 gives the incident as shortly after 9am on Thursday 1 June.
- Where
- The incidents were at the Droim Chaoin estate on the Bishop O'Donnell Road in west Galway City.
- Weapon
- The men were reported to be carrying axes, machetes and bats.
- Gardaí are investigating reports that a firearm was discharged at the location.
- Other details
- As many as six men wearing balaclavas can be seen in video footage of the incident.
- No injuries have been reported to Gardaí.
- The latest Garda appeal for witnesses was issued on 1 June 2023.
- Investigation
- Galway Garda station is conducting a full investigation into the incidents.
- Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and for road users or pedestrians with dash-cam or other camera footage from the area between 8:45pm and 9:30pm.
- Gardaí were aware of videos circulating online, but no official complaint had been made.
- Charges
- No one has been arrested or charged, and no suspect has been named in the sources.
29 statements extracted from the articles
- whatGardaí received reports of males carrying axes, machetes and bats who caused extensive damage to two properties in the Droim Chaoin estate. (garda.ie)
- whatThe men left the scene in several vehicles. (garda.ie)
- whatShots were fired inside a Galway housing estate in a gang attack. (galwaybeo.ie)
- whatA gang of masked men attacked a house. (galwaybeo.ie)
- whatA number of men armed with weapons caused extensive damage to two properties. (galwaybeo.ie)
- whatA number of males caused extensive damage to two properties in Droim Chaoin. (galwaydaily.com)
- whereThe incidents occurred on the Bishop O'Donnell Road in Galway city. (garda.ie)
- whereThe incident took place in the west of Galway city. (galwaybeo.ie)
- whereThe damage was caused to two properties in the Droim Chaoin estate on the Bishop O'Donnell Road in Galway city. (galwaybeo.ie)
- whereThe incidents were reported at the Droim Chaoin estate on the Bishop O’Donnell Road, Galway City. (galwaydaily.com)
- whenThe reports relate to approximately 9:10pm on Thursday 25 May 2023. (garda.ie)
- whenThe incident took place in broad daylight. (galwaybeo.ie)
- whenThe incident happened on Thursday 25 May 2023. (galwaybeo.ie)
- whenGardaí received reports at approximately 9:10pm. (galwaybeo.ie)
- whenGardaí received reports at about 9:10pm on Thursday 25 May 2023. (galwaydaily.com)
- weaponGardaí are investigating reports that a firearm was discharged at the location. (garda.ie)
- weaponThe gang was armed with machete-type weapons. (galwaybeo.ie)
- weaponThe men were carrying axes, machetes and bats. (galwaybeo.ie)
- weaponThe males were reported to be carrying axes, machetes and bats. (galwaydaily.com)
- investigationA full investigation is being conducted at Galway Garda station. (garda.ie, galwaybeo.ie, galwaydaily.com)
- investigationGardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. (garda.ie, galwaydaily.com)
- investigationRoad users and pedestrians with camera footage, including dash-cam, from 8:45pm to 9:30pm are asked to provide it to Gardaí. (garda.ie)
- investigationGardaí were aware of videos circulating online, but no official complaint had been made. (galwaybeo.ie)
- investigationGardaí are investigating reports of a firearm being discharged at the location. (galwaybeo.ie, galwaydaily.com)
- investigationGardaí are appealing for witnesses and anyone with camera footage from the area. (galwaybeo.ie)
- otherNo injuries were reported to Gardaí. (garda.ie, galwaybeo.ie)
- otherAs many as six men wearing balaclavas can be seen in the footage. (galwaybeo.ie)
- otherThe men left the scene in a number of vehicles. (galwaybeo.ie, galwaydaily.com)
- otherNo injuries have been reported. (galwaydaily.com)
The reporting
newest first- 1 Jun2023Gardaí investigating incidents with axes, machetes, and possible gunshots - Galway Daily
Initial report of the incident. Adds the location, weapons, reported firearm discharge, the Galway Garda station investigation and the witness appeal. No suspects are named or arrested.
suspect, male - 1 Jun2023Galway gardai hunting ‘axe and machete armed’ thugs after serious incidents
The garda statement quoted in the article gives the incident date as Thursday 25 May 2023 at about 9:10pm. The article's opening paragraph refers to 'this morning Thursday 1 June', which conflicts with the garda statement.
- 27 May2023Galway gardai issue update as video shows masked gang shooting at housing estate
Adds that the incident was a shooting by a masked gang with machete-type weapons, captured on video, in the west of Galway city. The article gives no date for the incident. It may be the same event as the Droim Chaoin reports.
suspect, male - 25 May2023An Garda Síochána Appeal for Witnesses to a Number of Incidents on the Bishop O'Donnell Road in Galway City, Thursday 25th May 2023
Official Garda appeal issued 1 June 2023 confirming the incidents, adding that a firearm discharge is under investigation, that no injuries were reported, that Galway Garda station is leading the investigation, and asking road users and pedestrians for dash-cam or other footage from 8:45pm to 9:30pm.
suspect, male