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. 5186Murder · Co. Louth · 27 Aug 2019

Investigation continues five years after murder of Keith Branigan in Clogherhead, Co Louth

Keith Branigan, a 29-year-old man, was shot dead on 27 August 2019 while working on decking at a caravan park in Clogherhead, Co Louth, the first fatality in the Drogheda feud. Two men in their 30s were arrested in February and detained at Drogheda Garda Station, then released without charge, and files were sent to the DPP. A woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s were arrested in June 2022, and the inquest was opened at Ardee District Court in October 2022 and adjourned because of the criminal investigation. As of the latest report in August 2024, the murder investigation is still continuing five years on, with no charges recorded.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrested28 Aug
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Keith Branigan, a 29-year-old man, was shot dead while working on decking.
Where
The shooting happened at a caravan park in Clogherhead, Co Louth.
When
Mr Branigan was shot dead on 27 August 2019.
Cause
  • Mr Branigan died from multiple gunshot wounds.
  • Mr Branigan is believed to have been targeted by rival associates of Owen Maguire because of his friendship with the leader of a rival gang.
Weapon
The gunman opened fire at Mr Branigan.
Other details
  • The gunman escaped in a red Lexus, which was later found burnt out at Whiteriver in Dunleer, Co Louth.
  • Mr Branigan was the first fatality in the Drogheda feud.
Investigation
  • Gardaí believe at least two people were involved in the shooting.
  • Four people have been arrested and questioned in connection with the investigation.
  • Two men in their 30s were arrested in February and detained at Drogheda Garda Station.
  • A woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s were arrested in June 2022 and detained at Drogheda Garda Station.
  • The murder investigation is continuing five years on.
Charges
Both men in their 30s were released without charge and files were prepared for the DPP.
In court
The inquest was formally opened at Ardee District Court in October 2022 and adjourned under Section 25(1) because a criminal investigation into the murder had begun.
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe shooting happened at a caravan park in Clogherhead, Co Louth. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenKeith Branigan was shot dead on 27 August 2019. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeMr Branigan died from multiple gunshot wounds. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeMr Branigan is believed to have been targeted by rival associates of Owen Maguire because of his friendship with the leader of a rival gang. (irishmirror.ie)
  • weaponThe gunman opened fire at Mr Branigan. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationGardaí believe at least two people were involved in the shooting. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationFour people have been arrested and questioned in connection with the investigation. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationTwo males in their 30s were arrested in February and detained at Drogheda Garda Station. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationBoth men in their 30s were released without charge and files were prepared for the DPP. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationA woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s were arrested in June 2022 and detained at Drogheda Garda Station. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationThe murder investigation is continuing five years on. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe inquest was formally opened at Ardee District Court in October 2022. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe inquest was adjourned under Section 25(1) because a criminal investigation into the murder had begun. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherMr Branigan was the first fatality in the Drogheda feud. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe gunman escaped in a red Lexus, which was later found burnt out at Whiteriver in Dunleer, Co Louth. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 28 Aug2024
    Arrestedirishmirror.ie, first report
    Investigations ongoing into murder of Drogheda feud’s first victim five years on

    Five-year retrospective on the 2019 murder. Adds that four people have been arrested and released without charge, files went to the DPP, the inquest was adjourned because of the criminal investigation, and the probe is still continuing.

    victim, Keith Branigan, 29, male, irish (judged from name)Keith Branigansuspect, 30s, malesuspect, 30s, malesuspect, 20s, femalesuspect, 40s, male