A convicted criminal and leading figure in a Cork feud, Gavin Sheehan, has been hospitalized following a brutal stabbing attack on Friday evening. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork City, has once again raised alarm bells about the escalating violence surrounding feuds in the area.
The attack occurred shortly after 5 pm, with witnesses reporting that Sheehan was targeted by two men near a coffee shop on Oliver Plunkett Street. According to sources, Sheehan was stabbed several times in the back, arm, and head. However, despite the severity of his injuries, he was able to walk into an ambulance after receiving initial treatment from paramedics at the scene. He was then transported to Cork University Hospital, where his condition is understood to be serious but not life-threatening. The scene of the attack was quickly cordoned off by Gardaí for a technical examination, and investigations are ongoing.
Sheehan, who is well known to law enforcement, has a history of violent crime. He was released from Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon last month after serving an eight-year sentence for shooting a young woman in the neck in 2016. His release from prison came just two weeks before the latest attack, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by his involvement in feuds. Just weeks prior to the stabbing, Sheehan's home was targeted in an incident of criminal damage, further underscoring the danger he faces due to his role in these criminal networks.
The latest incident involving Sheehan is just the most recent in a series of concerning events that have gripped Cork in recent weeks. Gardaí have been forced to increase patrols in certain areas of the city and maintain a high-profile presence with the Armed Support Unit (ASU) due to the escalating violence associated with feuds. These feuds have involved a range of crimes, including gun attacks, high-speed car chases, fire bombings, and assaults, prompting a massive search for weaponry across parts of Cork City and County over recent days. The Garda air support unit has also been deployed in these searches.
The ongoing feud-related violence has cast a shadow over Cork, leaving residents and businesses alike concerned for their safety. The city, once known for its vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere, is now experiencing a growing sense of unease and a decline in foot traffic on weekend evenings. Calls for increased Garda presence and more effective solutions to address the root causes of these feuds have intensified in the wake of recent events. The stabbing of Gavin Sheehan is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these criminal networks and the urgency with which they need to be tackled.
Local residents and business owners are demanding action from authorities to combat the rising crime and anti-social behavior. They are calling for a more visible Garda presence, as well as comprehensive solutions to address the revolving door system, which they believe contributes to the recurrence of criminal activity. This latest incident has only served to further highlight the need for a robust approach to tackle these feuds and restore a sense of safety and security to the city of Cork.
