THE FAMILY OF a man shot dead in a car park in Dublin city over two-and-a-half years ago have appealed for anyone with information to come forward to assist gardaí.

Darren Kearns and his wife Sharon were out for dinner on 30 December 2015 at the Rising Phoenix restaurant on Blackhorse Avenue in Dublin.

As they made to drive out of the car park, the exit was blocked off by a silver BMW 5 Series car. A man approached them with a gun and fired several shots into their car. Darren was hit several times and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two-and-a-half years later, and gardaí are still hunting for those responsible.

Kearns’ family issued an appeal on RTÉ Crimecall tonight for anyone with information to come forward to assist gardaí.

His mother Frances spoke about the night when he was shot, after the family had rushed to the scene.

“Next I hear everyone was roaring that he was gone. It’s very hard to look at your child lying in the cold night… lying on the ground,’’ she said.

The last memory I have with him… he was so happy, we were going away and the next memory I have he was coming home in a box.

His father Philip also talked about the strong bond the two men had shared and how difficult it was to lose his son.

“People say you can’t be a father… and a best friend. We were… and that’s how close we were as a family and a unit,” he said.

Didn’t I bury two people that day; my son and my best friend… The only thing we have now is these photographs… memories and a headstone.

Gardaí are appealing directly to those who may have information about Darren’s murder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimecall on 1800 40 50 60 or Blanchardstown Garda Station on (01) 666 7000.