Three men taken to hospital after violent disorder in Limerick city
David Raleigh
Three men have been injured and treated in hospital following violent clashes thought to be linked to a criminal feud in Limerick city.
One of the three males taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick on Saturday night was described as being in a “more serious condition” than the other two males who were brought to the hospital for minor injuries.
“Weapons”, believed to be slash hooks, were used in the violence that occurred at Hyde Avenue, on the south side of the city.
A car was also “smashed up” and the area remained cordoned off by gardaí on Sunday morning.
The feud has escalated in recent months with increased shootings, pipe bomb attacks and firebombings of homes.
A large group of people were involved in the clashes overnight. Local sources described the scenes as “chaotic” and expressed concern that people could be “killed” if it continues.
“Gardaí were alerted to violent disorder and criminal damage incidents on Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick on the night of Saturday 21st June, 2025 at approximately 23.50pm,” a Garda spokesman said.
“A vehicle was damaged during the incident and three males were taken to University Hospital Limerick with injuries which are believed to be non-life threatening. Investigations are ongoing,” he added.
Gardaí recently told Limerick District Court that “permanent armed patrols” have been established in parts of Limerick city, while gardaí are also stationed outside some schools as due to the feuding between the rival families.
Officers told the court that the feuding factions “pose a serious and active threat” to innocent members of the public as the violence can erupt almost anywhere at any time.
As part of the disputes, “explosive devices have been used to target homes and individuals”, with one house having to be demolished after sustaining major structural damage from a pipe-bomb attack.
The recent wave of attacks has put gardaí on heightened alert and fearful that someone could be killed, while local Garda management have warned that loss of life is a serious possibility if the feuding continues.
The level of feuding has “necessitated the detailing of uniformed members of An Garda Síochána outside local schools to prevent further escalations and tensions among feuding parties”, gardaí said.
Gardaí said they were investigating a “huge amount of incidents that are attributable to this feud”, including violent disorder, criminal damage, shootings and the use of explosive devices.
Officers have visited a number of people recently to inform them their lives are in danger due to active threats.
It is understood gardaí have also intercepted the transport of guns and drugs through the city.
Sources said the feud is reaching boiling point, although a number of individuals suspected of involvement have been taken off the streets and remanded in custody.
