GARDAÍ ARE APPEALING for witnesses to a shooting that occurred in Meath today in which a man was killed.
The fatal shooting took place at Gormanston, Co Meath. It is understood the victim has links to dissident Republican activity.
He has been named locally as Peter Butterly from Louth.
Shortly after 2pm this afternoon, a man in his 30s drove into the car park at the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston.
A second car entered the car park a few minutes later. Gardaí say the man was confronted by the occupants of the second car as he walked across the car park, and was shot a number of times.
The assailants then fled the scene in a car which turned left on leaving the car park. This car was intercepted by gardaí on the Balscadden Road a short time later.
Four males, all aged in their 20s, were arrested by gardaí. A handgun was recovered and the car seized.
A fifth man aged in his 40s was also arrested near the scene a short time later. The men are currently detained at a number of north Dublin garda stations under Section 30 of the Offences against the State Act, 1939.
Examination
A preliminary examination has been carried out by the Deputy State Pathologist and a full forensic and technical examination of the scene is currently underway. A post mortem examination is due to take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, tomorrow.
An incident room has been established at Laytown Garda Station.
Gardaí said this evening that a number of people have come forward to assist in this investigation, and they are continuing to appeal for information.
In particular, they are appealing to anybody in the vicinity of the Huntsman Inn between 1pm and 2.30pm this afternoon to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Laytown Garda Station on 041 9813320, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
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