Man held over hit and run on close relative of John Gilligan 'was arrested trying to leave Ireland'

The suspected driver in a shocking hit and run that left a close relative of John Gilligan critically ill was arrested as he tried to leave Ireland, it has emerged.

The Irish Mirror has learned that the suspect, who is in his 20s, was arrested on Sunday evening as he headed to Dublin Port to get a ferry out of Ireland. He was being questioned on Monday at a south Dublin Garda station over Sunday’s incident, which left the young relative of gangster John Gilligan, 70, seriously injured.

It’s understood the victim, who is in his early 20s, suffered serious injuries to his head and leg in the incident in Clondalkin. Gardaí confirmed the arrest on Monday morning.

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A spokeswoman said: “Gardaí investigating the serious injury road traffic collision which occurred on Cloverhill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on Sunday afternoon 20th October 2024 have made an arrest. A man, aged in his 20 was arrested last night, Sunday 20th October 2024 and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in South Dublin. Investigations ongoing."

The suspect is from Dublin and can be detained for up to 24 hours. The incident happened on the Coldcut Road in Clondalkin at around 1.45pm on Sunday.

The victim, who sources have confirmed is a close relative of Spain-based mobster Gilligan, was struck by a van which failed to stop at the scene. Gardaí are now probing whether it was an accident - or if the victim was deliberately targeted. Emergency services were called to the scene and the victim was brought to hospital for treatment of injuries which are described as serious.

A technical examination of the scene has been carried and the road has since reopened to traffic. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. They are also seeking any camera footage, including dash-cam video from those travelling in the area at the time, to assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ronanstown Garda Station on (01) 6667700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

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