IN THE years after he was convicted for his role in the arson attack that caused serious injuries to two young Limerick children, 21-year-old Robert Sheehan was haunted by his actions even up to the time he was shot dead outside a hotel in Bunratty in 2012.
In a bid to solve the murder, Crimestoppers this week launched an appeal for information into the killing outside his brother’s wedding party at the Bunratty Castle Hotel in the early hours of Sunday, September 2, 2012.
Six years earlier Robert Sheehan acted as a 15-year-old lookout when five-year-old Gavin and seven-year-old Millie Murray suffered horrific injuries after a petrol bomb was flung into their mother Sheila’s car. Minutes earlier she had refused to give two teenagers a lift.
Robert helped pull Gavin from the burning car and his father, Patrick Sheehan said that his son was always sorry for his role and haunted by his involvement in the attack for which he received a two-year detention sentence.
He was shot five times in the head as he stood smoking outside the hotel where his brother’s wedding was being celebrated on September 2, 20012. Gardaí believe the shooting was carried out by a hitman.
It is understood that the Moyross man and father of one son had been involved in a dispute earlier in the year with a notorious criminal.
A handgun was found and it has been linked to the shooting.
Gardaí in Limerick and Clare have been piecing together the events of the night and despite a number of arrests, no one has been prosecuted and it is believed the main suspect has fled the jurisdiction.
This week, Crimestoppers and the Gardai are asking for people who know anything of relevance to this case to contact them.
Detective Sergeant Kevin O’Hagan of Shannon Garda Station said, “It is now over six years since Robert’s murder. We are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
“Do you have knowledge of the events leading up to the shooting or following the shooting? You might have information that you may previously have felt you could not come forward with but now with the passage of time, you may believe that now the time is right to share that information.
“Even the smallest piece of information, which may seem insignificant, could help close this case and bring justice to the family. If a member of the public prefers to give the information without identifying themselves, they can call Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25.”
Crimestoppers chairman John Murphy commented, “Crimestoppers is here for the public to provide information anonymously that could help solve a crime. You do not need to provide any details about yourself”.
Callers can claim a reward for information which significantly helps the investigation.
