Irish police are still looking for the machine pistol used in the botched attack on a Dublin steakhouse on Christmas Eve.
Suspected gangster Tristan Sherry, 26, opened fire at a 47-year-old man while he was eating at Browne’s Steakhouse at around 8pm in Blanchardstown, west Dublin on December 24.
Sherry was promptly overpowered and reportedly stabbed almost 30 times, killing him. But, somehow, Gardai do not know where his submachine gun is.
Both Sherry and the victim – who is in a critical condition – are known to police for their alleged involvement in drug crime. Detectives say the steakhouse hit on Sunday was likely unplanned and Sherry may have been pushed by his gangland associates to carry out the attack.
The claim emerged as it was reported that Sherry also tried to kill a rival amid the Corduff Feud, a spree of more than 70 incidents of arson, shootings and beatings in Ireland, in 2019, according to The Irish Sun. Investigators say he fired seven shots into a car in Mulhuddart village.
‘Sherry has been active for a number of years,’ a source told The Irish Sun. ‘He was the chief suspect in the shooting in 2019 in Mulhuddart village and then on Christmas Eve he went and targeted another man. But he was never the brightest, and this shooting highlights it.’
It comes as the family of Sherry have set up a fundraising page with an an aim to raise €7,000 (£6,077) to cover funeral costs.
The page was set up yesterday and has so far received 27 donations, with €550 donated by family, friends and well-wishers with some sending donations of up to €100.
Tristan Sherry (pictured) is believed to have shot a man at Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, west Dublin, on Christmas Eve. However, after entering the restaurant, Sherry was overpowered during the attack and was stabbed to death
A diner can be heard screaming ‘someone’s about to get whacked in front of me’ in footage as the gunman stormed the Dublin steakhouse
Police cordon off the area outside the steakhouse where the incident occurred
The attacker, suspected to be Sherry, burst into the restaurant which was packed full of people – including young families – who all witnessed the attack.
In one video shared of the aftermath, a young child is seen being removed from the premises by his parents.
It is understood Sherry entered with another person and targeted a man in his forties.
A source told The Irish Sun the attack unfolded in a way that was bound to create chaos.
‘There’s one way in and one way out of that restaurant. To walk in covered and with a firearm like he did in a packed restaurant just caused absolute mayhem,’ they said.
‘And it appears he tried to find another exit out after the shooting, but couldn’t. He was caught then and it’s clear he suffered a horrendous death himself.’
After the attack, Sherry’s accomplice is believed to have fled the scene in a white Audi, as reported by Irish News.
It is not known if police have yet been able to locate the second unidentified alleged assailant.
The victim was later taken to Dublin’s Connolly Hospital and remains in a critical condition.
The motive for the shooting is understood to be an ongoing feud between drugs gangs in Corduff, Blanchardstown, and Finglas in north Dublin.
Both sides have been exchanging attacks since 2019. Gardaí fear an all-out war between the two factions following the death of Mr Sherry.
Sherry was revealed to have been involved in an attack on a man in Mulhuddart village in 2019, firing seven shots into a car.
Gardaí had already identified the threat and warned the victim his life was in danger, allowing him to flee uninjured before burning out his own car and refusing to cooperate with the investigation.
The family of Sherry have set up a crowdfunder to raise money for his funeral.
On the GoFundMe page, Ms Hand wrote: ‘Hi my name is Marey Hand and my son was murdered on Christmas Eve, his name was Tristan Sherry.
‘We made this to raise money for his funeral cost in this difficult time. We are absolutely heartbroken that this has happened.
‘He was well known for his love of motorcycles and was loved by many. He was an amazing Son, Brother, Father and Friend. We can’t believe life has to go on without him’.
Sherry’s ‘heartbroken’ mother, Marey Hand, has now set up a fundraising page with an an aim to raise €7,000 (approximately £6,077) to cover funeral costs
A shocking video was uploaded to social media on Christmas Day, appearing to show Sherry lying on the street covered in blood
As a result of the shocking attack, additional armed and uniformed patrols have been authorised by Garda HQ to stem any reprisals which may occur.
This will include the Corduff area of Blanchardstown but it is understood that areas of Finglas, known to be the strongholds of the leaders of the other gang will also have an increased Garda presence as a result of the attack.
Several videos of the aftermath of the event have been shared on social media in the hours after the incident.
In one video, a man can be seen lying on the ground covered in blood as he is repeatedly kicked and hit over the head with a chair.
Other videos show people hiding under tables and screaming.
Gardaí have pleaded with members of the public to stop sharing these videos and instead give them any information which may help them apprehend those behind the attack.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has condemned the attack which is thought to be linked to a vicious west Dublin-based feud, which has already been responsible for a high number of assaults.
‘I deplore the violence in Blanchardstown,’ she said.
‘This viciousness has resulted in unimaginable human suffering this Christmas.
‘That anyone could perpetrate such violence as families gathered together is especially disgusting.
‘I’m thinking of the bereaved, those who were at the scene and indeed all the emergency service personnel working tonight and over Christmas who have to deal with this senseless violence.
‘I call on anyone with information of any kind to contact An Garda Siochana.’
Gardai outside Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas morning, following the shocking shooting incident
This has been the second gangland murder of the year. It comes after Brandon Ledwidge, who was in his 20s, was shot dead as he opened the door of his home in Finglas, north Dublin, last month.
Gardaí do not believe the two shootings are linked.
They also urged people to be aware of serious misinformation being shared on social media in relation to Dublin’s latest gangland shooting.
A Garda spokesman said on Monday: ‘Gardaí are continuing to investigate an incident that occurred at premises on the Main Street in Blanchardstown Dublin 15 at around 8pm on Sunday.
‘A man in his 20s was fatally injured. A second male (aged in his 40s) continues to receive treatment for gunshot wounds. His condition remains serious.
‘An incident room has been established at Blanchardstown Garda Station. Local Gardaí are being assisted by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI).
The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and a Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed to liaise with both families.
‘An Garda Síochána is aware of videos of the incident and immediate aftermath which are in circulation on social media and messaging apps. We are appealing to the public for these videos not to be further distributed.
‘We are also appealing to the public to be aware of a significant level of speculation, misinformation and disinformation which is in circulation.
‘Gardaí have increased uniform patrols in the Dublin Region, with support from armed patrols, including the Garda Armed Support Unit.
‘Anyone with information on this incident or who may have video footage is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.’
