From the Galway City Tribune – Detectives investigating the discharge of a firearm in Athenry lastweek and the discovery of a pipe bomb in Moycullen a few hours later, believe that the incidents are related to an ongoing feud in the city involving criminal gangs.

Gardaí were alerted to the discharge of a firearm in the Ballydavid area of Athenry shortly after midnight on Tuesday night last.

The shot – possibly fired from a handgun – was aimed at a house in the Ballydavid area. No one was injured in the incident.

Later that morning, Gardaí discovered a burnt-out car near the Moycullen GAA pitch and nearby they found a live pipe bomb.

They believe that both incidents are linked and are also connected to ongoing activity between two rival criminal gangs in the city.

Detective Superintendent Shane Cummins told the Galway City Tribune that the pipe bomb device was ‘a viable one’ with an Army EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) unit from Cork called to deal with it.

“The EOD unit defused this device and made it safe but the discovery of something like this is of great concern to us. This is an investigation that we are vigorously pursuing. We are taking a very serious view of these incidents.

“These could all result in a loss of life and pose a real threat to the safety of people. We are appealing for anyone with information on these incidents to make contact with us.

“We are also anxious to speak to any witnesses who may noticed a Ford C Max people carrier car driving suspiciously or at speed between 12 midnight on Tuesday night last and 3am the following morning, anywhere from Athenry to Moycullen,” said Det Supt Cummins.

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Anyone of assistance to the Gardaí in their investigation of either incident can contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538000; the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or any Garda station.

The latest incidents are also understood to be connected to a pipe bomb incident which occurred on the Sunday night of April 2 in the Ballybane area.

In that incident, two pipe bombs were thrown towards the front of a house in the Rian Luachra estate – both of them went off causing a small amount of damage to the residence. No one was injured.

The Galway City Tribune understands that this latest series of shooting and bombing incidents involves two criminal gangs operating in the city who are involved in the sale and distribution of drugs.

Over the past two-years or so, the rivalry and violence between the drugs’ gangs has intensified, with an increasing use of firearms and now pipe bombs.

Gardaí have warned that there is an increasing risk of serious injury or the loss of life as the rival gangs defend their ‘turf’.