A thug involved in the killing of a father of three filmed himself boasting about the tragedy minutes later, it has emerged.
Sources have told The Mirror that detectives investigating the hit and run death of Ian McDonnell believe at least two men were involved – and one of them took a selfie video a short time later.
“He filmed himself afterwards. He was talking about what happened and was boasting,” a source said.
Gardai now hot on the trail of the gang involved in the incident just over a week ago – in which Mr McDonnell, 50, was run over by his own car.
Mr McDonnell was injured when the gang – who have been identified by gardai – stole his car after he got out of it at a south Dublin car dealership where he worked just after 6pm last Sunday.
Mr McDonnell left the engine running as he briefly stepped out of his car at the gates of Ozone Cars in Ballymount close to the M50.
Mr McDonnell only got out of his car for a few seconds, but one of the gang – who could be as young as 18 – saw his chance and jumped into the driving seat.
He then started to drive off, but Mr McDonnell realised what was happening and tried to stop him stealing the car, a grey coloured Volkswagen Passat with the registration number 161 OY 1861.
He managed to jump onto the bonnet, but the thief kept going.
Mr McDonnell, who was from Elphin in Roscommon but was living in Lucan, south Dublin, fell off the bonnet and the thief drove over him in his own car.
He was later found seriously injured on the roadway a short distance from Ozone Motors on the Robinhood Road and was rushed to hospital.
He spent almost a week on life support at Tallaght University Hospital in south Dublin – but he lost his fight for life on Friday evening surrounded by his family.
Gardai have been investigating the attack since last Sunday and sources have confirmed to The Mirror that detectives have identified as least two suspects.
Both are said to be in their early 20s or late teens.
They are also suspected of stealing a silver coloured Toyota Aqua, registration number 152 D 32687, which was stolen in Crumlin earlier the same day and was found burnt out in Ballinascorney neat Tallaght last Tuesday.
Sources say the investigation team at Clondalkin Garda Station has made significant progress in recent days
But officers are still appealing for anyone with information to contact them at Clondalkin Garda Station at (01) 6667600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Mr McDonnell’s car was recovered by gardai last Friday in the Greenhills area of Dublin 12 and is now being examined – but it was not burned out and officers believe it will contain forensic clues to help nail the thugs involved.
A Garda spokesman said: “Gardai are anxious to hear from anyone who may have been in the Robinhood Road area of Clondalkin on the evening of Sunday 23rd January between 5.30pm and 7pm and who may have witnessed any activity which drew their attention or who may have any video dash cam footage.
“The grey coloured Volkswagen Passat 161 OY 1861 stolen at the incident on the 23rd January 2022 has been recovered on Limekiln Green, Greenhills, Dublin 12, on Friday 28th January. Where was that vehicle between Sunday 23rd January and Friday 28th January, 2022?
“The silver coloured Toyota Aqua was stolen in Crumlin on the afternoon of Sunday 23rd January, 2022 and was located burnt out in Ballinascorney, Tallaght on Tuesday 25th January, 2022. Where was that vehicle between Sunday 23rd January and Tuesday 25th January, 2022?
“Investigating Gardaí are looking for any information on where either car was parked up at any location, or was either vehicle seen in any petrol station or at any other location over those days?
“Investigating Gardaí are also seeking assistance from anyone who may have seen either of the cars in the vicinity of Ballymount, Walkinstown, Tallaght, Kylemore Road, or Ballyfermot between 6.30pm and 9pm on Sunday night 23rd January, 2022.”
Meanwhile, Mr McDonnell’s family were being comforted last night.
His death notice on RIP.ie said “To the inexpressible grief of his heartbroken wife Monica [nee Beirne] and children Clodagh, Gareth and Aoife.
“Ian will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his wife and children.”
And tributes were being paid to him online last night.
One pal said: “Very saddened to hear of Ian's tragic passing. We spent many mornings on the sidelines watching Lucan United matches. Our sincere condolences to his family at this sad time. May Ian rest in peace.
Another note said: “We knew Ian and the McDonnell family for many years in Elphin. You are all in our thoughts at this difficult time. RIP Ian.”
And another said: “Ian was an absolute gentleman and always going out of his way to help people. He will be greatly missed.”
Meanwhile, video of Mr McDonnell appearing on an RTE show six years ago has surfaced online.
He appeared on the Eco Eye environmental show talking about alternatives to petrol and diesel fuel for cars.
