Gardai investigating the fatal hit-and-run of an innocent dad have identified two suspects in the case.
Ian McDonnell was left to die on a road in southwest Dublin after he was hit by his own Volkswagen Passat as he tried to stop thugs from stealing it last Sunday.
The car sales manager was carried a distance on the bonnet of his vehicle to where he was discovered at Robinhood Road in Clondalkin at around 6.15pm that evening.
Mr McDonnell, who turned 50 on December 20 last, was rushed to Tallaght Hospital but died on Friday.
Investigators have now identified two suspects in the probe.
And detectives believe that any evidence obtained from two vehicles in their possession will prove key in the investigation.
Mr McDonnell’s car – with a reg number of 161 OY 1861 – was found on Friday at Limekiln Green, Greenhills, Dublin 12.
The second vehicle involved in the incident, a silver Toyota Aqua, registration number 152 D 32687, was stolen in Crumlin on the afternoon of Sunday, January 23.
It was found burnt out in Ballinascorney, Tallaght, two days later.
The two cars have been forensically examined as cops looked for DNA and other evidence and they are now awaiting the results.
A source said: “A huge investigation has been under way for the past week so there’s been a lot of progress.
“But results from examinations which have taken place may be crucial in this case.”
A postmortem took place on Mr McDonnell’s remains on Saturday as his grieving family made funeral arrangements. In a statement on Saturday, gardai said they have established an investigation team under a Senior Investigating Officer to the case.
And they said “significant progress” has been made to date in the investigation including interviewing of witnesses, door-to-door enquiries and harvesting of CCTV images.
A 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 video dashcam footage.”
A family liaison officer has been appointed to Mr McDonnell’s heartbroken family as gardai support his wife Monica and children Clodagh, Gareth and Aoife.
A death notice said the family are suffering from “inexpressible grief”.
Mr McDonnell was from Roscommon but he lived with his family in Lucan, Dublin. Yesterday, local clubs Esker Celtic, where the victim’s son Gareth plays, and Lucan United paid tribute.
Esker Celtic said: “Everyone at Esker Celtic is deeply saddened to learn that Ian McDonnell has passed away.
“Ian’s son plays with the club. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family.”
While Lucan United wrote: “Our Senior Team and Newbridge today held a minute’s silence for Ian McDonnell who passed away this week.
“Our thoughts are with Clodagh, Aoife and the rest of their family. RIP.”
Tributes continued to flow from friends of the family.
Lorraine Smith said: “Thinking of you all and praying for you as you grieve the tragic loss of your dear husband and father Ian.”
Grainne Cooney wrote: “Shocked and heartbroken to hear about Ian’s passing. Such a kind and gentle soul. I am truly lost for words.”
And in a message from Marilyn and Dermot Fox, they said: “We cannot begin to imagine how extremely difficult these past few days and nights have been for each one of you."
