Innocent woman, 30, shot in front of daughter, 8, in horror attack and could be left paralysed
AN innocent woman was shot in front of her eight-year-old daughter in a horror gun attack.
Doctors believe Sinead Connolly, 30, could be left paralysed after she was blasted in the chest and arm at her apartment.
And as the mum fights for her life, investigators are also examining CCTV footage showing the moment the suspected gunman struck in Dublin at around 1pm on Saturday.
Police suspect the gunman — who was also treated in hospital — injured himself as he opened fire in the Bluebell area of the city.
Detectives are waiting to interview the pair as soon as they receive the all-clear from doctors.
One local told The Sun: “There is some concern that her spine could be damaged but Sinead is a strong woman and if anyone can pull through it’s her.
FIGHTING FOR LIFE
“She’s not involved in anything.”
They added: “Everyone is just praying that she makes a full recovery.
“It’s awful to think this has happened to an innocent woman.”
As the police investigation continues, one theory is that the three dissident republicans who were arrested after the shooting were in the area operating locally.
Cops suspect that the gunman struck over fears the suspected New IRA members travelled to Dublin over a dispute with a drugs gang and that innocent Sinead was caught in the crossfire.
The arrested trio — which includes the son of a dissident republican in the North — were later released by the police.
Sinead is the younger sister of Real IRA killer Sean Connolly, who is serving life for the 2012 murder of Real IRA godfather Eamon Kelly — but she has no involvement in crime and has never come to the attention of cops.
A senior prison source also told how Connolly has been left furious over the shooting.
The source revealed: “Connolly is livid that his sister has been targeted in this way.”
There are now fears that the New IRA could seek revenge for the shooting in west Dublin.
Local Sinn Fein Councillor Daithi Doolan said that while he did not know Ms Connolly, locals have told him of their shock.
He told The Sun: “I’ve heard very positive feedback on Ms Connolly. A lovely woman, good community activist.
“She wasn’t on the periphery, she was committed to the area and really involved.
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“People are shocked and this community deserves better.”
Cops have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
A force spokesman said: “Anyone with any information in relation to this matter should contact Kevin Street Garda Station on 01-666 9400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”