Fight over caravan at centre of Traveller family shooting
Traveller families at the centre of an attempted murder trial were fighting over a damaged caravan a court has heard.
Patrick Mc Donagh (aged 42), and Martin Mc Donagh (aged 31), of Dunsink Lane, Finglas Dublin are charged with the attempted murder of Robert Gavin, John Gavin and Patrick Gavin at St Dominic’s Park, Belcamp Lane, Coolock on New Year’s Day 2005.
The Central Criminal Court heard Patrick Mc Donagh had driven to the Gavin’s site in St Dominic’s Park about 10am on New Year’s Day to make peace with the family saying there were 300 Mc Donagh’s nearby who might make trouble.
John Gavin told the court his cousin Martin Gavin’s caravan had been damaged and Martin Gavin and Patrick Mc Donagh were talking about payment or a 'fair fist fight' to settle the matter.
Mr Gavin said Patrick Mc Donagh did not want trouble but had told Martin Gavin the other Mc Donagh’s may be a problem.
Patrick Mc Donagh left the Gavin’s site saying he would return and Mr Gavin told the court he ran to his caravan to call the Garda for help.
Minutes later Patrick Mc Donagh returned in the car, Martin Mc Donagh in the passenger seat, he said.
"I heard Patrick Mc Donagh says 'well boys'",Mr Gavin said.
"Then I looked down and I seen Martin (Mc Donagh) coming out with a gun."
"As I run from the scene a bang come and I got stings in my back."
Women were screaming and he thought he was going to be killed, he said.
Mr Gavin told prosecuting counsel Niall Durnin SC he was shot in the back, Patrick Gavin was shot in the stomach and Robert Gavin was shot in the face.
Under cross-examination by Mr Burns representing Patrick Mc Donagh Mr Gavin maintained Patrick Mc Donagh had been driving the car.
"Patrick Mc Donagh was not the driver of the car on the day in question when that shooting took place. You disagree with me on that?" Mr Burns questioned.
"I disagree with ya," Mr Gavin said.
The trial before Mr Justice Paul Carney and the jury of nine men and three women is expected to run until next week.
