- Tristan Sherry is believed to have shot Jason Hennessy Snr in a Dublin restaurant
- Sources now say he was also involved in a deadly feud in 2019 prior to the attack
Irish police are still looking for the machine pistol used in the botched attack on a Dublin steakhouse on Christmas Eve.
Suspected gangster Tristan Sherry, 26, opened fire at Jason Hennessy Snr with the firearm while he was eating at Browne’s Steakhouse at around 8pm in Blanchardstown, west Dublin on December 24.
Sherry was promptly overpowered and reportedly stabbed almost 30 times, killing him. But, somehow, Gardai do not know where his submachine gun is.
Both Sherry and Hennessy Snr, now in critical condition, are known to police for their alleged involvement in drug crime. Detectives now say the steakhouse hit on Sunday was likely unplanned, and that Sherry may have been pushed by his gangland associates to carry out the attack.
The claim emerged as it was reported that Sherry also tried to kill a rival amid the Corduff Feud, a spree of more than 70 incidents of arson, shootings and beatings in Ireland, in 2019, according to The Irish Sun. Investigators say he fired seven shots into a car in Mulhuddart village.
‘Sherry has been active for a number of years,’ a source told The Irish Sun. ‘He was the chief suspect in the shooting in 2019 in Mulhuddart village and then on Christmas Eve he went and targeted another man. But he was never the brightest, and this shooting highlights it.’
It comes as the family of Sherry have set up a fundraising page with an an aim to raise €7,000 (approximately £6,077) to cover funeral costs.
The page was set up earlier today and has so far received 27 donations, with €550 donated by family, friends and well-wishers with some sending donations of up to €100.
The attacker, suspected to be Sherry, burst into the restaurant which was packed full of people, including young families, who all witnessed the attack.
In one video shared of the aftermath, a young child is seen being removed from the premises by his parents.
It is understood Sherry entered with another person and targeted a man in his forties.
A source told The Irish Sun the attack unfolded in a way that was bound to create chaos.
‘There’s one way in and one way out of that restaurant. To walk in covered and with a firearm like he did in a packed restaurant just caused absolute mayhem,’ they said.
‘And it appears he tried to find another exit out after the shooting, but couldn’t. He was caught then and it’s clear he suffered a horrendous death himself.’
After the attack, Sherry’s accomplice is believed to have fled the scene in a white Audi, as reported by Irish News.
It is not known if police have yet been able to locate the second unidentified alleged assailant.
Victim Hennessy Snr was later taken to Dublin’s Connolly Hospital and remains in a critical condition.
The motive for the shooting is understood to be an ongoing feud by drugs gangs in Corduff, Blanchardstown, and Finglas in north Dublin.
Both sides have been exchanging attacks since 2019. Gardaí fear an all out war between the two factions following the death of Mr Sherry.
Sherry was revealed to have been involved in an attack on a man in Mulhuddart village in 2019, firing seven shots into a car.
Gardai had already identified the threat and warned the victim his life was in danger, allowing him to flee uninjured before burning out his own car and refusing to cooperate with the investigation.
The family of Sherry have now set up a crowdfunder to raise money for his funeral.
On the GoFundMe page, Ms Hand wrote: ‘Hi my name is Marey Hand and my son was murdered on Christmas Eve, his name was Tristan Sherry.
‘We made this to raise money for his funeral cost in this difficult time. We are absolutely heartbroken that this has happened.
‘He was well known for his love of motorcycles and was loved by many. He was an amazing Son, Brother, Father and Friend. We can’t believe life has to go on without him’.
As a result of the shocking attack, additional armed and uniformed patrols have been authorised by Garda HQ to stem any reprisals which may occur.
This will include the Corduff area of Blanchardstown but it is understood that areas of Finglas, known to be the strongholds of the leaders of the other gang will also have an increased Garda presence as a result of the attack.
Several videos of the aftermath of the event have been shared on social media in the hours after the incident.
In one video, a man can be seen lying on the ground covered in blood as he is repeatedly kicked and hit over the head by a chair.
Other videos show people hiding under tables and screaming.
Gardaí have pleaded with members of the public to stop sharing these videos and instead give them any information which may help them apprehend those behind the attack.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has condemned the attack which is thought to be linked to a vicious west Dublin-based feud, which has already been responsible for a high number of assaults.
‘I deplore the violence in Blanchardstown,’ she said.
‘This viciousness has resulted in unimaginable human suffering this Christmas.
‘That anyone could perpetrate such violence as families gathered together is especially disgusting.
‘I’m thinking of the bereaved, those who were at the scene and indeed all the emergency service personnel working tonight and over Christmas who have to deal with this senseless violence.
‘I call on anyone with information of any kind to contact An Garda Siochana.’
This has been the second gangland murder of the year. It comes after Brandon Ledwidge, who was in his 20s, was shot dead as he opened the door of his home in Finglas, north Dublin, last month.
Gardai do not believe the two shootings are linked at this time.
They also urged people to be aware of serious misinformation being shared on social media in relation to Dublin’s latest gangland shooting.
A Garda spokesperson said on Monday: ‘Gardaí are continuing to investigate an incident that occurred at premises on the Main Street in Blanchardstown Dublin 15 at around 8pm on Sunday.
‘A man in his 20s was fatally injured. A second male (aged in his 40s) continues to receive treatment for gunshot wounds. His condition remains serious.
‘An incident room has been established at Blanchardstown Garda Station. Local Gardaí are being assisted by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI).
The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and a Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed to liaise with both families.
‘An Garda Síochána is aware of videos of the incident and immediate aftermath which are in circulation on social media and messaging apps. We are appealing to the public for these videos not to be further distributed.
‘We are also appealing to the public to be aware of a significant level of speculation, misinformation and disinformation which is in circulation.
‘Gardaí have increased uniform patrols in the Dublin Region, with support from armed patrols, including the Garda Armed Support Unit.
‘Anyone with information on this incident or who may have video footage is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.’
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
