Coroner hears of arrest in case of two men shot in petrol station

Case of two men killed in probable mistaken identity deferred as investigations continue

Glen Murphy (19) and Mark Noonan (23) died when gunmen opened fire as they went to buy cigarettes near Clearwater Shopping Centre in Finglas, north Dublin. Photographer: Dara Mac Dónaill/Irish Times
Glen Murphy (19) and Mark Noonan (23) died when gunmen opened fire as they went to buy cigarettes near Clearwater Shopping Centre in Finglas, north Dublin. Photographer: Dara Mac Dónaill/Irish Times

Gardaí investigating the 2010 murder of two men who were shot outside a petrol station made an arrest in the summer, the Dublin coroner has heard.

Glen Murphy (19) and Mark Noonan (23) died when gunmen opened fire as they stopped at a petrol station outside the Tesco Clearwater Shopping Centre in Finglas, north Dublin on November 23rd 2010.

They were there to buy cigarettes when a dark BMW pulled up and the gunmen opened fire. Mr Noonan was hit in the back of the head while Mr Murphy was shot in the head and stomach as he tried to escape.

Neither victim was involved in organised crime and gardaí believe the murders may have been a case of mistaken identity.

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The inquests into their deaths was opened in March 2011 and has been adjourned several times since to allow gardaí carry out their investigation.

Updating the Dublin coroner on progress in the case, Det Insp Colm Murphy said the investigation remains active. "There was a recent arrest during the summer and a number of inquiries made abroad with members of An Garda Síochána travelling abroad. It is an active investigation," he said, requesting a further six-month adjournment of the inquest.

Coroner Dr Brian Farrell told the family that because there are "live issues being investigated", he is not in a position to go ahead with the inquest. He adjourned the matter for further mention on June 5th next year.