A man in his early 20s was recovering in hospital last night after he was shot in a housing estate in Limerick early yesterday morning.
The victim who is from the Moyross area of the city was shot in the stomach at 2.45 a.m. in Delmege Park, Moyross.
According to gardaí he was shot by a lone gunman from a distance.
It's understood the weapon used may have been an illegally held rifle. No firearm has yet been recovered.
Gardaí were last night still waiting to speak to the victim, who underwent surgery at the Mid-Western Regional hospital in Limerick yesterday afternoon.
A spokesperson for the hospital said his condition last night was "critical but stable".
The motive for the attack is not yet known; however, the shooting is not believed to be linked to the high-profile ongoing feud which has claimed four lives in as many years.
"We are still waiting to speak to the victim. The motive for the attack is not yet known and the matter is under investigation," said a Garda spokesman.
Gardaí at Henry Street Garda Station are appealing for witnesses and can be contacted on (061) 212400.