There are fears of further bloodshed in revenge attacks following the murder of a young man in a suspected gangland killing in Dublin.
Brandon Ledwidge was shot four times in the head and body in the garden of a house on Barry Drive, Finglas on Saturday 18, November 2023.
His killing is believed to be the first gangland murder of the year and has caused shock and upset among locals in the area.
The 23-year-old opened the front door to his attacker and the lone gunman shot him at close range.
Despite efforts by paramedics, they were unable to save the young man, who was pronounced dead a short time later.
Detectives believe Ledwidge’s murder was drugs-related as the young man was suspected to be linked to a drugs gang in the locality, which has been targeted numerous times by gardaí.
It is believed that Ledwidge, who was a talented footballer and played with Finglas Celtic FC, was involved in a row over drugs shortly before his murder and may have been planning to set up on his own.
“There is a very real concern that retaliation attacks will be carried out against those responsible for Saturday night’s killing,” a source said.
Meanwhile, local councillor Keith Connolly said: “There is a big sense of shock in the area that this has happened and that shock is very imminent today.
“It’s very sad and my thoughts are with his family and friends,” adding: “There are fears of retribution but I would call for calm.
Councillor Anthony Connaughton also spoke of the sense of shock and upset in the area.
“It’s shocking that this happened as it appears to be out of the blue, especially when things have been very quiet for a good while in relation to feuding,”
“There is always a fear of retribution and retaliation but I certainly hope that doesn’t happen,” he said.
“We have been calling for more resources across the board to be made available for policing as the area has issues and although gardaí have done a lot it unfortunately doesn’t seem to be working,” he said.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to flow for Brandon, with one relative writing on social media that the news of his murder was something they “will never comprehend.”
“My forever best friend. I loved u from the first day of ur life and I’ll love u till d last day of my life. This news I will never comprehend but I promise U I’ll never ever ever forget U and d memories and d good times we had. Till we meet again my favourite nephew my love for U will keep me going I’ll love U forever. I’m broken.”
Another wrote: Never thought I’d be saying this but rest in peace Brandon Ledwidge brother. I hope u get the best bed up wherever u are just know that me and all the boys are going to miss u to a real one.”
And another wrote: “Well brother, none of us should ever have to be writing anything like this for you. Our hearts are smashed Brandon Ledger, my brother forever I will never forget the memories we have together. I hope you are at peace wherever you are my brother Brando I love you sleep tight soldier.”
Yesterday, the scene remained sealed off for forensic examination as gardaí conducted door-to-door enquiries in the area. An incident room has been set up at Finglas Garda Station and gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses.
