MITCHELSTOWN WOMAN CAUGHT UP IN HOSTAGE DRAMA
A Mitchelstown woman, named locally as Mary Murphy, was, it is believed, one of the victims caught up in the latest so called ‘Tiger’ hostage taking in Galway this week.
Mary, who works in An Naoinra preschool, was visiting family members in Galway when she was held hostage along with businessman Julian Flynn, his wife Emma Flynn and their four young children.
Five men stormed in to the Flynn's home on the outskirts of the city and used cable ties to restrain the Flynn’s and their children, including a six month old baby. The gang was armed with a shotgun and hatchet.
Mrs Flynn’s mother, who was chatting to her daughter on the phone when the gang burst in, alerted Mrs Flynn’s sisters who were nearby and they called the gardai. When Mary Murphy and her sister arrived at the house they too were taken hostage and tied up as well.
The Gardai came on the scene shortly afterwards and managed to arrest three of the five raiders at the scene. One garda was hit by a hatchet and his injuries were described as not serious. Two raiders escaped from the house but were later arrested.
Published:
Thursday 19th February 5:21pm