THE VICTIM OF a shooting in a hotel car park in Clare over the weekend has died, Gardaí have confirmed this evening.

The man in his 20s, named as Robert Sheehan, died in hospital earlier today after being shot five times in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Sheehan, who was from Limerick, was approached by two men in the car park of the Bunratty Castle Hotel shortly before 4am yesterday morning and shot before the attackers escaped in a black-coloured car.

A firearm was later recovered near the scene.

Two men, both in their 20s, have since been arrested in connection with the incident and continue to be held by Gardaí.

Sheehan, who was previously jailed for an arson attack on two children in Limerick in September 2006, had around 50 previous convictions.

Earlier today, the Franciscan Friars of Moyross appealed for calm in the local area following the shooting, the Limerick Leader reports.

Gardaí have also renewed their appeal for information and in particular to anyone who was in the vicinity of the hotel between 3am and 4am yesterday to contact them at Shannon Garda Station on 061 365 900, or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.