Jerry McCabe: three of detective’s killers living in Limerick

Three of the men convicted of the manslaughter of Det Garda Jerry McCabe are believed to be living in Co Limerick and have not come to the attention of the Garda since their release from prison.

Pearse McAuley, Michael O’Neill, Jeremiah Sheehy and Kevin Walsh were all initially charged with the murder of Garda McCabe, but the charge was dropped after key witnesses refused to co-operate following IRA intimidation.

The four were later convicted of manslaughter.

On the run

McAuley and Walsh were sentenced to 14 years in 1999. With remission, they served 10½ years, which was completed in August 2009.

Sheehy was released in 2008 after serving nine years, while O’Neill left prison in 2007 after serving eight years of an 11-year sentence.

Garda sources said O’Neill, Sheehy and Walsh are believed to have returned to Patrickswell, Co Limerick, where they are from.

They have not come to the attention of gardaí in any significant way since their release.

Two other men suspected of involvement in the killing are on the run in South America.

McAuley has returned to prison after being sentenced to 12 years for a frenzied attack on his estranged wife Pauline Tully on Christmas Eve in 2014 at the home they once shared.

Time in prison

The judge suspended the last four years upon McAuley entering into a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for a period of four years after his release.

With remission and taking into account the period he has already served on remand, McAuley is expected to serve less than half the 12 years imposed by the court.