Gardaí investigating the murder of suspected Cork drug dealer Eric Cummins believe there was at least some local involvement in his killing after they traced a car used by his killers to a location in Cork city.
Garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination of the burnt-out Honda at Gurranabraher Garda station yesterday after they removed it from Kilnaglory, Ballincollig, on Sunday. The car, which matches the description of the Honda used by the gunman and his accomplice, was found approximately a mile and a half from where Mr Cummins was gunned down at his home at Oldcourt in Ballincollig on Saturday night.
The Irish Times understands gardaí have succeeded in tracing the burnt-out Honda to the Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill area of Cork's northside, where they believe it was bought in a cash transaction sometime on Saturday.
According to informed sources, the fact that the car was sourced locally suggests there was at least some local involvement in the planning of the murder, although gardaí are keeping an open mind as to whether the gunman may have been brought in from outside Cork.
It is understood gardaí will start examination CCTV footage from a number of premises on Cork's northside over the weekend in the hope they may be able to identify those who purchased the car and trace its movements on Saturday.
Gardaí are understood to be still keeping an open mind on the motive for the killing but are looking closely at the possibility that Mr Cummins may have fallen foul of some major drugs operators.
Mr Cummins's remains were removed to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, The Lough, where his requiem Mass will take place today.