Gardaí in Limerick have said an incident in which a man in his 40s was shot twice in the back was not connected to any feud in the city.
The victim was being treated for gunshot wounds yesterday in the intensive care unit of the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick.
The gun attack happened shortly before 11pm on Thursday outside the victim's home near Quinn's Cottages in Rosbrien. It is understood a brick or a stone was thrown through a window of the victim's home moments before he was shot.
Gardaí said the victim and his son emerged from the house to confront two youths who were leaving the scene in different directions.
As the victim confronted one of the youths, he was shot twice in the lower back with what is believed to have been a handgun.
A Garda source confirmed that the victim was not well known to gardaí, and said the incident was not linked to any feuds in the city.
"We don't believe this incident was connected to the activities of any of the established criminal factions in the city, and we are keeping an open mind in relation to this investigation," said the Garda source.
It is understood the victim's injuries are not life-threatening.
Gardaí sealed off the scene yesterday, and have appealed for anyone with information to contact them at Roxboro Road Garda station at 061 214340.