The untimely death of Limerick man Shane Geoghegan has sent shock-waves not only through the people of Limerick but through all the decent people in the country, many of whom are living in fear, as a result of gang-land warfare on the streets of our cities and towns.
Shane was chased and gunned down in cold blood in a well-to-do estate in Limerick city at the weekend, where he ran for his life as he was returning home having watched a rugby match with friends. We have been told this is a probable case of mistaken identity. Shane was mistaken for a member of a gang who was of similar build to him and who lived in the estate.
This is far cry from consolation to his family and friends who are simply devastated at the slaying of their cherished son, and friend.
An avid rugby fan and active member of Garryowen Rugby Club, Shane had attended the same secondary school as I did in Dooradoyle - Crescent College Comprehensive. The priest that said his funeral Mass, Fr Jim Maher is a teacher there and was always an inspiration to his students. Many of his jobs include marrying former students and christening their children. Funerals of students are something, I'm sure he never contemplated he might have to deal with.
The outcry that has occurred since the death of Shane has been palpable. People are angry at what our society has turned into - a battle-ground for feuding families. And don't for a second think that you and I can remain unaffected by this killing. This murder illustrates more than ever, how every one of us are affected by this warfare.
We need not be carrying out any crimes or even befriending any criminals, but we are still affected. How many of us are afraid to walk the streets of the city by night? How many people are targeted by mindless thugs outside pubs or clubs after too much drink is consumed? How many of us have had our handbags stolen or our wallets pick-pocketed in the past. How many of us have had our homes broken into and our belonging stolen or ransacked? Everyone is affected by criminal activity of some description. And now people believe that it is time to stamp it out at all costs.
Gardai need to be given the proper resources to deal with hardened criminals who have no value on human life. They are unaffected by the fact that they might kill an innocent person. There is no remorse - just a resolve to move on and get the 'right guy' next time round.
Maybe this country needs to consider having a proper armed police force that is permitted to deal with these thugs in the way they deal with human life. Shoot-to-kill. There is no respect from these gangs for the law. They have ordinary, law-abiding people living in fear and yet our legal system protects them. There is something seriously wrong when innocent people are dying and hardened criminals are walking our streets. Something drastic needs to be done.
They need to be stopped in their tracks before more innocent people lose their lives. It is clear that one does not need to be involved in order to get hurt. Shane is a clear example of that.
Must we go on our knees and beg our legal system and our Gardai for protection? What do we have to do to feel safe these days? Even the Gardai are petrified of these gangs and why wouldn't they be - unless they are dealing with them in full riot gear where they cannot be shot down. The time has come for something to be done. To those who have the power to take drastic action - we beg you - please do so.
