McEntee condemns gangland shooting at busy Dublin restaurant

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

The Minister for Justice has condemned a shooting incident at a busy restaurant in west Dublin on Christmas Eve.

A man died and another was wounded in what gardaí believe was a botched gangland shooting in Blanchardstown.

The attack occurred at Browne’s Steakhouse, which was packed with people, including families, having a Christmas Eve meal.

A man aged in his 20s was pronounced dead after being injured during the incident.

A man aged in his 40s remains in a serious condition in Connolly Hospital after being treated for gunshot wounds.

It is understood gardaí are investigating whether the dead man was a participant in the initial attack and was tackled in the aftermath.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was “shocked” to hear about the shooting at “a well known family restaurant I’ve visited many times”.

“Full Garda investigation under way. My thanks to them and solidarity to staff and customers,” he said on X.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the attack taking place where families had gathered was “disgusting”.

“I deplore the violence in Blanchardstown tonight.

“This viciousness has resulted in unimaginable human suffering this Christmas,” she said on Instagram.

“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 Síochána.”

Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 8pm on Sunday evening.

The scene was preserved pending a technical examination and the services of the Office of the State Pathologist were requested.