Ireland Two men to be sentenced over Limerick shootings linked to O'Donoghue gang
Shots were fired at homes in the Hyde Avenue area of Limerick in 2025, linked to a violent feud between the O'Donoghue group and another criminal organisation. Shane Blackhall (21) was the driver of a vehicle that crashed after the shooting, and John O'Donovan (19) is described in court as an 'enforcer' in the O'Donoghue group. Blackhall pleaded guilty to drug possession charges at Mungret Court on June 10, 2025, and O'Donovan pleaded guilty to participating in activity of a criminal organisation between April 26 and May 8, 2025, while also facing an arson charge. Both men are due to be sentenced at the Special Criminal Court, and the case was most recently put back to July 27.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Convicted13 Jul
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- Where
- Shots were fired at homes in the Hyde Avenue area of Limerick in 2025.
- What happened
- Shane Blackhall (21) was the driver of a vehicle that crashed after shots were fired at homes.
- The court heard that John O'Donovan (19) is described as a 'fixer' or 'enforcer' in the O'Donoghue crime group.
- Cause
- The shootings were part of a violent feud between the O'Donoghue group and another criminal organisation.
- Weapon
- Shell casings were linked to a Glock pattern semi-automatic pistol that was never recovered.
- Investigation
- The arrests followed a garda investigation into the feud.
- Blackhall's DNA was found on the driver's airbag of the crashed vehicle.
- Charges
- O'Donovan pleaded guilty to participating in activity of a criminal organisation between April 26 and May 8, 2025.
- O'Donovan faces a charge of arson at Ashroe, Limerick, on May 8, 2025.
- Blackhall pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine, cannabis and diamorphine for sale or supply at Mungret Court on June 10, 2025.
- Blackhall pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm at Hyde Avenue on January 6.
- In court
- Mr Justice Patrick McGrath put both cases back to July 27 for sentencing at the Special Criminal Court.
- Sentence
- Both men are due to be sentenced this month, with sentencing now set for July 27.
- Other details
- The court heard that Blackhall had 26 previous convictions and O'Donovan had 30.
- Five other men from Limerick and Dublin, not part of this case, are due to stand trial on January 11 next year.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whereShots were fired at homes in the Hyde Avenue area of Limerick in 2025. (limerickleader.ie)
- whenThe sentencing is due to take place this month. (limerickleader.ie)
- weaponShell casings were linked to a Glock pattern semi-automatic pistol that was never recovered. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationThe arrests followed a garda investigation into a violent feud between the O'Donoghue group and another criminal organisation. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationBlackhall's DNA was found on the driver's airbag of the crashed vehicle. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeO'Donovan pleaded guilty to a charge of participating in activity of a criminal organisation between April 26 and May 8, 2025. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeBlackhall pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine, cannabis and diamorphine for sale or supply at Mungret Court on June 10, 2025. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeBlackhall pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm at Hyde Avenue on January 6. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeO'Donovan faces a charge of arson at Ashroe, Limerick, on May 8, 2025. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtMr Justice Patrick McGrath put both cases back to July 27 for sentencing. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherBlackhall was the driver of a vehicle that crashed after shots were fired at homes in Hyde Avenue. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherThe court heard that Blackhall had 26 previous convictions. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherThe court heard that O'Donovan had 30 previous convictions. (limerickleader.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 13 Jul2026'Enforcer' and drug dealer in crime gang to be sentenced for part in shootings
Reports the Special Criminal Court sentencing hearing for O'Donovan and Blackhall, who pleaded guilty, and sentencing put back to July 27. Five other men from Limerick and Dublin, due to stand trial on January 11 next year, are not included because they are separate accused.
convicted, John O'Donovan, 19, male, named, irish (judged from name)John O'Donovanconvicted, Shane Blackhall, 21, male, named, irish (judged from name)Shane Blackhall