Man shot dead in Ballymun knew he was under threat.
A well-known window cleaner was blasted six times as he cycled to work in Ballymun this morning.
The man, who is known to gardai, had known his life was in danger and told gardai that he had been threatened by two notorious criminals from Finglas.
The victim, who has been named locally as John O'Regan (48), was originally from Finglas and is believed to have moved to Ballymun because of the threats.
He was so concerned for the safety of his partner and son that he bought a double barrelled shotgun but this was taken from him because he did not have a licence, according to sources.
sundayworld.com can reveal that the victim was a witness in two separate murders in Ballymun in 2003 and 2006. He came forward with information about the murder of Michael Scott, who was shot dead on Sillogue Road in April 2003 as his girlfriend looked on in horror.
He was also a witness to the murder of Gregory Rowan who was fatally assaulted in Ballymun in August 2006.
He is known to gardai for offences such as assault and criminal damage but he was not regarded as a serious criminal.
The man he named to gardai as having made threats to him is a notorious criminal who has been linked to at least three gangland murders.
The victim of the shooting worked as a security guard and window cleaner. He was shot dead by a lone gunman at around 8.45am on Gateway Avenue, Ballymun about 8.45am.
The injured man was brought to the Mater Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
